The Rutgers offense has struggled at times in 2012, with young players in key skill position roles. The development during bowl practice could define how this team grows in 2013.
National Rankings:
• 100th Total Offense
• 94th Scoring Offense
• 83th Passing Offense
• 100th Rushing Offense
Big East Conference Rankings:
• 6th Total Offense
• 6th Scoring Offense
• 7th Passing Offense
• 7th Rushing Offense
Many of Rutgers offense key players are underclassmen, which makes Rutgers offense one to look out for in the future. Here are some statistics about some of the players to watch for as well as some overall statistics about the team.
Team Statistics:
• 35 touchdowns
• 1511 rushing yards
• 2582 passing yards
• 4093 total yards
Players to watch for:
• QB Gary Nova (SO)– Ranked 61st in passing efficiency nationally and tied for 70th in total offense. Nova is ranked second in school single-season history with 22 touchdown passes. With a good offensive line, Nova has only been sacked eight times all season.
• RB Jawan Jamison (SO)– 45th nationally in rushing yards this past season and 3rd in the Big East in rushing yards. Jamison had 242 rushes and four touchdowns this season. Although Jamison sprained his ankle late in the year, Jamison is the third Rutgers player since 1976 to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, totaling 1,054 yards.
• WR Mark Harrison (SR)– Ranked second in school history with 18 touchdown catches in his career and six touchdowns this season. This season, he had 560 yards with his longest reception being at 71 yards. Overall, he had 42 receptions this season.
Bowl breakdown:
• Running Offense: Since Jamison has fully recovered from his injury, he could be getting a majority of the carries at the bowl game. Jamison ran for 1,054 yards despite his injury. But, Savon Huggins (SO) has played well in relief of Jamison, with 362 yards and two touchdowns this season.
• Passing Offense: Nova must minimize turnovers while looking for his two great wide receivers. Sophomore Brandon Coleman has 10 touchdown catches opposite the senior Harrison this season.
