Tulane @ Rutgers preview
High Point Solutions Stadium
A key injury will be the focus for Rutgers when it hosts Tulane for homecoming Saturday afternoon.
Rutgers (2-1) was in a wait-and-see mode as of Wednesday concerning the health of starting quarterback Tom Savage, who took a hard shot to the ribs during last week's 17-13 loss to North Carolina.
Savage did practice early this week but coach Greg Schiano said he doesn't expect to make a decision on his quarterback's availability until later in the week.
If Savage doesn't start, expect freshman Chas Dodd to line up at quarterback against the Green Wave (1-2). Savage has thrown for 33 completions on 63 attempts, with just one touchdown pass. Dodd has just one completion in limited action.
The running game has been Rutgers' best offensive weapon this season, with Joe Martinek, Mohamed Sanu and Jordan Thomas combining for 399 total yards and three touchdowns through three games.
Expect Rutgers to use its size and depth in the rushing game to counter Tulane's blitzing defense, helping alleviate any potential lost production at the quarterback position.
Rutgers enters the contest ranked 17th in the nation in total defense, which bodes well against Tulane's injury-plagued offense. Defensive standouts for the Scarlet Knights include Antonio Lowery (23 total tackles), Steve Beauharnais (21) and Joe Lefeged (20).
Just as Rutgers is looking to bounce back from a loss against North Carolina, Tulane will attempt to shake off last weekend's 42-23 loss to Conference USA foe Houston.
Life will be no easier for coach Bob Toledo's Green Wave this week. Due to a boatload of injuries, Tulane will have new personnel rotating on offense.
Starting quarterback Ryan Griffin sprained his shoulder against Houston, and while he's expected to see time Saturday, the passing game could be more limited than normal.
Backup quarterback Kevin Moore, who played the second half of the game against Houston, broke two bones in his throwing index finger in that contest. Redshirt junior Joe Kemp is the new backup and could see time if Griffin falters early.
Freshman running back Orleans Darkwa, who has accounted for four rushing touchdowns this season, is also expected to sit out with a torn tendon in his elbow. Punter Jon Ginsburgh suffered a concussion and his duties may shift to placekicker Cairo Santos.
Defensively, linebacker Trent Mackey, who is tied for third in the nation with an average of 12.67 tackles per game, will also play despite an ankle injury.
Tulane’s lone victory this season has come against Football Championship Subdivision opponent Southeastern Louisiana.
This is the fifth time these two programs have played, dating to 1976, with Rutgers holding a 3-1 advantage in the series. This is the first time the two programs have met since 1998.