The air of optimism cascading through New Brunswick from the banks of the Raritan earlier this autumn has begun to fade. After taking care of business at home against Temple and Delaware, and winning a tough one against Syracuse on the road, the Scarlett Knights have come crashing back to earth through the first four contests of their Big Ten schedule. Losses to Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Northwestern have proven to be harsh reminders that Rutgers is still in the early stages of a massive rebuild.
At the beginning of the season, coming off an unexpected three win total in 2020 against all Big Ten competition, some including myself could contemplate nothing but “bowl or bust”.