A View From The Stands: Rutgers Blackout Edition
Normally we sit in our press box when we head to games but this time I wanted to go to a game and sit with the fans to get their perspective and pulse of the game and the Rutgers program.
It took longer than usual to walk into the stadium for the Iowa game and I didn’t mind. There was excitement in the air and with the fans all around me. After all, it was a blackout game and a sell out. As I was waiting in line, I noticed a mom with her eight year old son. Her name was Gloria and her son’s name was Tre’von. They drove down from Irvington (NJ) and it was their first Rutgers game.
I asked them what were their thoughts of the Rutgers Boardwalk.
“It was really fun. There was something for everyone,” Gloria told me.
After getting into the stadium, I walked to the 126 section and struck up a conversation with James from East Brunswick. James said he’s been coming to Rutgers games for 30 years. I wanted to get his viewpoint on the direction of the program.
“I feel it’s going in the right direction. It’s not going as quickly as I want but we’re inching close and closer each year to respectability in the B1G.”
James and I also pondered over Greg Schiano’s two stints as the head coach. Which stint is the harder stint. The first stint where he took over a team that won 11 games in 5 years or the second stint where he took over a teams that won 9 games in 5 years?
“This second stint is harder by far and it’s HIS fault. He chose to leave and the program fell into disarray. The admin made horrible decisions in selecting head coaches. I mean, Chris Ash? Really?”
The enthusiastic crowd around me quickly turned when Iowa returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown.
“We didn’t even touch him. What the [profanity] are we doing?,” Edward from Spotswood yelled out.
Rutgers quickly answered to tie the game at 7.
That’s when I had a good conversation with Nick and Joe. Kudos to the both of them for allowing me to take a picture of them and use it for the article. Nick said he’s a TKR member and loves our content.
What are his thoughts on this year’s team?
“I feel we have a balanced offense but I’m concerned about the defense now that we’re going into B1G play.”
As we were watching the first half, every time that the Rutgers defense had a blown coverage I looked over at Nick and he would give me that “I told you so” look.
The game was tied at 21 at the half and I went to the concessions to get a Pork Roll sandwich. Sorry, that’s what it’s called. I don’t trust anyone who calls it by any other name.
While eating my Pork Roll, I talked to Kai. He’s a recent graduate from Rutgers who came back for this game. What were his thoughts of the game so far?
“Man, we’re going to lose. Just wait. I love them and support them but I’ve seen this script before. We just don’t have the defense to make a dent in the league. We have a G5 defense trying to play a B1G schedule.”
I told Kai that was a bit harsh but he said simply said, “Just wait and see. I’d love to be wrong but just wait and see.”
I watched the Rutgers offense sputter in the second half. In fourth quarter, when the Rutgers defense gave up 17 points, I had Kai’s words ring in my brain on one side and the I told you so look from Nick on the other side.
The announced crowd of 55,942 was the largest crowd in program history.
I spoke to some Iowa fans in the line for the shuttle busses back to Jersey Mike’s Arena and got their thoughts of the game and their experience visiting New Jersey.
“This was my first trip to New Jersey. I was really surprised how beautiful your campus is,” Connie from Des Moines said.
Her husband Doug told me that the atmosphere at Rutgers was great to see.
“I really enjoyed our time here. You’re pregame activities was fun. The live band even played some country music. Made me feel like home. Rutgers fans made me feel welcomed. I like the fans here”
Just as he said that a Rutgers fan yelled that Iowa fans can suck it.
Doug quickly told me, “I don’t like that guy but everyone else is ok, lol”
Zach from Iowa City was frustrated with the shuttle busses. It took two hours to get back to Jersey Mike’s Arena. I was frustrated too Zach.
After all the frustration, I was walking back to my car and saw an older lady in her Rutgers gear smiling. I asked her why she was smiling.
“Because I just love my Rutgers. Win or lose, I love my school.”
Thank you Edith. Because of you, I left with a smile too.
💬 Wondering what other Rutgers fans are saying?
Head to The Round Table and jump into the discussion →
