PISCATAWAY -- If you think all of Chris Ash's talk over the last two years about strength and conditioning is just Coachspeak, look at the box score from the season-opener.
Or, better yet, watch the tape of Rutgers' 30-14 loss to No. 8 Washington.
While a big talent gap remains -- especially when reserves are on the field -- Rutgers proved it belonged on the same field as a College Football Playoff contender, which is more than can could be said during last season's string of blowout losses, including one to Washington.