(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

The Big Ten didn't do itself too many favors Saturday, scarred by No. 14 Wisconsin coughing up a 17-point lead in the third quarter to No. 13 LSU. 

A team-by-team look at Rutgers' 2014 opponents, which went 7-4 this week: 
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

At Bergen Catholic, John Tsimis saved some of his highlight-reel catches for rival Don Bosco. Now he's hauling them in from its old quarterback.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Rutgers fans got their first glimpse Thursday night (and well into Friday morning) at new play caller Ralph Friedgen's offense, and the longtime Maryland coach stuck to the basics.
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(AP photo)

It's finally game day, Rutgers fans. You've waited exactly eight months for it, after the Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl. Game kicks off at 10 p.m. on Fox Sports 1. Happy football watching.
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

On Monday, the Rundown led with the relationship between Rutgers offensive line coach Mitch Browning and Big Ten Network analyst Glen Mason, who coached together for more than two decades.

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(AP photo)

Rutgers has landed in Seattle, where it'll adjust to the Pacific Time Zone ahead of Thursday's season opener against Washington State. 

Before we get to the links, an interesting tweet yesterday from an ESPN.com Pac-12 reporter: 
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(AP photo)

Rutgers' season opener against Washington State is less than 48 hours away. Consider this your hub for Rutgers' season preview material from The Trentonian.
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(Courtesy of Rutgers Athletics Communications)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Two extra days of game preparation have given Rutgers flexibility in molding and teaching its game plan for Washington State, head coach Kyle Flood and players say.

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(AP photo)

It's time for takeoff, folks. Rutgers leaves on a direct flight to Seattle today after a walk-through practice in preparation for Washington State. The season begins in nearly 48 hours.
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Welcome to the first game week mail bag of the season, everyone. Last week we talked about season predictions, the since-decided free safety battle and more.

As always, you can tweet in weekly questions @Tyler_Barto or email me at tbarto@trentonian.com.
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PISCATAWAY — Here's some early reaction to Rutgers' second-to-last practice before leaving for Seattle on Tuesday: 

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(AP photo)

Rutgers' injury report is out: Nick Arcidiacono (upper body), Bryan Leoni (lower body) and Andre Patton are out Thursday against Washington State. Here's what you missed this weekend:
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Kyle Flood’s mid-December hiring of Mitch Browning raised eyebrows in some circles, but the well-traveled offensive line coach drew praise from one former Big Ten coach that knows a thing or two about him.
Read more »

(AP photo)

With less than a week left until Rutgers meets Washington State in Seattle, its players have a light walk-through today, then a day off. Two practices follow before catching an early flight to the West Coast.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Remember that time head coach Kyle Flood took a calculated shot at SEC teams that said, "Thanks, but no thanks," to scheduling Rutgers? Well, the game the Scarlet Knights had to compensate with is a week away.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

The forecast for Thursday at Seattle's CenturyLink Stadium is a high of 76 degrees and partly cloudy. Those at Rutgers are waiting for one on up-and-down kicker Kyle Federico.
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(AP photo)

Rutgers is on to day two of its game planning for Washington State and head coach Mike Leach, whom Kyle Flood said he met briefly at an event this year. What will Rutgers have in store at Seattle's CenturyLink Field?
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(AP photo)

Welcome to Washington State game week, everyone. Rutgers has consecutive practices focusing on Wazzu before two days off. Enjoy the lead-up.
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(Courtesy of Rutgers Athletics Communications)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Monday's first edition of the Rundown introduced you to the backstory behind the last-minute decisions of Don Bosco teammates Leonte Carroo and Darius Hamilton, and their reunion with quarterback Gary Nova.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto

Twitter: @Tyler_Barto

tbarto@trentonian.com

Rutgers hasn't shied away from a backfield in motion lately. First, Justin Goodwin moved to corner to supply much-needed depth. Now Desmon Peoples could be deployed differently.

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(AP photo)

Rutgers' final two-a-day practices are in the books, and Tuesday's 10 a.m. practice all but caps training camp. Preparation for Washington State begins Wednesday.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Welcome back to the Rutgers mailbag. Last week we covered the Ralph Friedgen-Kyle Flood dynamic, Janarion Grant's role and more.

As always, you can tweet questions to me at @Tyler_Barto or email tbarto@trentonian.com.
Read more »

PISCATAWAY — Here are some quick hits from Monday night's second practice, the last of Rutgers' double sessions during training camp:Read more »

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Paul James thought he had worked enough on his burst in the offseason. Then defensive back Davon Jacobs caught him from behind on a 96-yard run during Saturday's scrimmage.
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By Tyler Barto

Twitter: @Tyler_Barto

tbarto@trentonian.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'll use this space to post my Monday column on all things Rutgers, especially relationships and scenes away from the field. It will include side notes, private moments and content that doesn't typically receive notice. Hope you enjoy the first one.

(Courtesy of Rutgers Athletics Communications)

They all waited at the school along North Franklin Turnpike, the one with the white walls and maroon-colored lockers and turf football field.

The explosive four-star receiver. The program-changing defensive tackle. The New Jersey coaching czar.

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Saturday night's scrimmage was a boon for Rutgers' offense, which saw two 100-yard passers and several scorers during different field periods. The countdown is on: head coach Kyle Flood said the team will start preparing Wednesday for Washington State.
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Head coach Kyle Flood said Saturday night that Steve Longa, Robert Martin and Josh Hicks were held out and are expected back Monday.

Andrew Turzilli, Kaleb Johnson, Nadir Barnwell, Dre Boggs and Darius Hamilton should be back midweek, Flood said.

Passing
Gary Nova: 9-for-16, 190 yards (long 44), 2 TD
Chris Laviano: 16-for-21, 211 yards (long 26), 3 TD, 2-point conversion
Mike Bimonte: 0-for-2
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(AP photo)

Saturday's scrimmage, which kicks off at 7 p.m. inside High Point Solutions Stadium, will be Rutgers' closest simulation — outside of an actual crowd — of a game-like environment. Its season opener is less than two weeks away.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

The Big Ten that Norries Wilson observed as an offensive lineman at Minnesota in the mid-80s little resembles the one Rutgers officially enters in less than a month.

Sure, the physicality — the league's hallmark — is comparable, but its location is often on the field's fringes, not at the epicenter of the line of scrimmage.

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(AP photo)

Friday's practice is closed to the media. Rutgers' scrimmage Saturday — its final major tune-up before its Aug. 28 season opener — begins at 7 p.m. in High Point Solutions Stadium. 
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(Courtesy of Rutgers Athletics Communications)

Another day of training camp, another prognosis for Kyle Flood to report. This time it was freshman corner Dre Boggs, whom Flood expects to miss "a little bit." Running back Justin Goodwin has moved over in his stead.
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(Courtesy of Rutgers Athletics Communications)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Nearly half of the NFL's 32 teams are running some semblance of a 3-4 defense, with three defensive linemen. It's unclear whether the trend has impacted the college ranks or vice versa.

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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — After a muddled spring, head coach Kyle Flood said Chris Laviano saw such few reps that he prolonged Rutgers' quarterback competition.

Flood watched enough of the redshirt freshman Tuesday to name him the team's backup. Laviano said he's happy for the trust.
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Deteriorating depth at cornerback has prompted another player from offense to move to the secondary.

Running back Justin Goodwin was the latest victim. The sophomore spoke with head coach Kyle Flood and moved sides of the ball during Wednesday's practice.
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(AP photo)

As Tuesday's double session wound down, head coach Kyle Flood revealed his five team captains for 2014 and told reporters redshirt freshman Chris Laviano will serve as backup quarterback. Wednesday's practice begins at 12:45 p.m.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

While Dave Revsine has been around the Big Ten long enough to notice subtle changes in each team following every season, his second visit to Rutgers on Friday was an altogether new experience.

The Big Ten Network analyst, in his first comments since visiting Rutgers on the BTN's campus tour, said he's still getting adjusted to new surroundings.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Michael Burton, Darius Hamilton, David Milewski, Gary Nova and Lorenzo Waters are Rutgers' captains in 2014, head coach Kyle Flood announced Tuesday via Twitter.
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(AP photo)

The second two-a-day of Rutgers training camp Tuesday follows its first full scrimmage at High Point Solutions Stadium. The team's Aug. 28 season opener is now 16 days away.

Read more »

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'll be using this space every Tuesday to get to fans' questions about the team and other aspects of the game that you don't get to see on the Internet or in print. You can tweet in your questions each week to @Tyler_Barto or by emailing me at tbarto@trentonian.com.

Thanks to those that provided questions for our first Rutgers football mailbag! Let's get started.
Read more »

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

In 29 career appearances — 17 starts — Michael Burton has quietly proven one of Rutgers' most productive players, averaging 6.96 yards per touch.

The team's senior fullback after Friday's training camp practice:

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(AP photo)

Sunday's Rutgers media day is giving way to Monday's first full scrimmage at noon at High Point Solutions Stadium. Head coach Kyle Flood will closely monitor the team's backup quarterback competition.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Despite his new post as graduate assistant at Rutgers, Mike Teel is still keeping an eye on the team that drafted him, and the quarterback he temporarily faced in 2008.

Teel, a sixth-round pick by Seattle in 2009, said he's been impressed by Russell Wilson, whom he played against in the PapaJohns.com Bowl when Wilson was at NC State.
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(AP photo)

Rutgers tight end Tyler Kroft talks slot receiver Janarion Grant, his best play at Downingtown East High School (Pennsylvania) and setting his own high expectations for his first season in the Big Ten.
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It's a busy day in Piscataway as Rutgers hosts an open practice and fan appreciation day and unveils a new Scarlet Knight mascot. Will you be there?
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By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — A bus peered in from behind Rutgers' black practice-field wall. Buzz crept in. Head coach Kyle Flood noticed a difference, he said after the Big Ten Network finished its first on-site production.
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(AP file photo)

The Big Ten Network arrives to Piscataway on Friday as part of its annual tour. It will sit down with head coach Kyle Flood and a player that adorns its tour bus after the 12:45 p.m. practice.

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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Rutgers is the Big Ten Network's fourth stop on its annual bus tour Friday afternoon, featuring three network analysts and a primetime slot on BTN Live, the channel's top news show.

Here's a primer for what to expect when Rutgers' hour-long episode airs in front of brand-new cable audience.
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(AP photo)

Head coach Kyle Flood confirmed Wednesday what had become a foregone conclusion: quarterback Gary Nova will start a season opener the third straight season. 

After Wednesday's double session, Thursday's lone practice begins at 12:45 p.m.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Steve Longa finished with nearly 30 more tackles than anyone else last year at MIKE, and he already has a firm grasp of the WILL linebacker position.

Now? Rutgers' top linebacker is looking to master the entire defense.
Read more »

(AP photo)

After entering training camp with a monopoly in starts, it took little time for Gary Nova to cement himself as Rutgers' obvious starting quarterback.

Head coach Kyle Flood made the decision official between two-a-day practices Wednesday.

Read more »

(Rutgers Athletics
Communications)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Marco Battaglia is enjoying being back at Rutgers, and it's also part of his job.

Rutgers' all-time leading tight end has been in Piscataway two months as director of athletic development, where he's been tasked, partly, to mobilize Rutgers' fan base.
Read more »

(AP photo)

Rutgers left practice Tuesday with news that wide receiver Ruhann Peele (upper body) is doubtful for the team's season opener Aug. 28 at Washington State. Today marks the first of three two-a-day practices.
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While the first three days of camp have involved heavy install of Ralph Friedgen's offense, Kyle Flood has praised quarterback Gary Nova's command. Today's 12:45 p.m. practice is the last one before the team dons full pads.
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(AP file photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — The early returns on Gary Nova have been positive. The next hurdle is when head coach Kyle Flood will name him the team's starter.

Read more »

(Tyler Barto)

With a starting offensive line teetering on 100 combined starters, Rutgers realizes it has to noticeably upgrade its production. Today's practice at 12:45 p.m. is the first of training camp in shells.
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(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto

Twitter: @Tyler_Barto

tbarto@trentonian.com

Delon Stephenson isn't listed on Rutgers' preseason depth chart. But will there be times when he lines up in the slot?

The coaching staff has already entertained it.

Read more »

(Rutgers Athletics Communications)

Rutgers got its first glimpse Friday of its first-team offense in full, including receiver Leonte Carroo, who says he has no restrictions. Today's practice begins at 12:45 p.m.
Read more »

(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Despite a nearly 30-tackle margin in his favor and finishing fifth in the American Athletic Conference in the stat as a redshirt freshman, Steve Longa was left off the Butkus Award preseason watch list for the nation's most outstanding linebacker.
Read more »

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Kyle Flood said Friday that Rutgers' staff has individualized reports on each of its impact players that missed a large portion of spring practice.

Leonte Carroo will not be one of them. Rutgers' leader in touchdown receptions a year ago (nine) says he will be a full participant.
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(AP photo)

The first full practice for players begins today at 12:30 p.m. in Piscataway. Offensive coordinator Ralph Friedgen will have his first look at Rutgers' first-team offense in full.
Read more »