“Potential” is a word that seems to be hanging over the Rutgers University football team this offseason, and that includes where the Scarlet Knights will be playing.
With the Big Ten expanding to 18 teams this season, CBS Sports ranked the 18 teams with the best atmospheres in the conference in an entirely subjective effort by writer Tom Fornelli. Rutgers' SHI Stadium was No. 14, but Fornelli pointed out what made it memorable in Piscataway during coach Greg Schiano's first tenure, when the Scarlet Knights were a consistent top 25 team.
“I've never been to a Rutgers game, but I remember how awesome the atmosphere was watching them on television nearly 20 years ago when the Knights began winning under coach Greg Schiano,” Fornelli said. “Given their struggles since joining the Big Ten, the apathy from fans in recent years is understandable, and we can't rank them any higher, but they could.”
According to Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights sold out four games at SHI Stadium last year against Northwestern, Virginia Tech, Michigan State and Ohio State, and have drawn crowds of at least 52,454 in seven games over the past two years. Rutgers also unveiled “The Boardwalk,” a Jersey Shore-themed attraction outside the stadium during the 2022 season, with rides, concessions, music and more to add to the pre-game atmosphere.
“I love game day with the band and the cheerleaders and the music and the sirens and horns and the lights and the night games,” Schiano said after the 20223 game. “So I think it's a great environment. I think the kids will be excited to be a part of it, so that's good, too.”
Rutgers recorded its first winning season last fall with a 7-6 record, including a win over Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Scarlet Knights last won in 2014, finishing their first season as a member of the Big Ten with an 8-5 record.
Rutgers will look to build on last year's momentum with a team that returns nine starters on a top-20 defensive line and six starters on offense, including running back Kyle Monangai, who was the Big Ten's rushing leader last season.
Penn State's Beaver Stadium took the top spot, followed by Washington's Husky Stadium, with Michigan State, Oregon State and Ohio State rounding out the top five. You can see the full list here.
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Patrick Lanni can be contacted at pranni@njadvancemedia.com.
