Rutgers Enters High Seas

The state of New Jersey finally has something to be proud of other than Bruce Springsteen. No. 15-ranked Rutgers [welcomes the Navy Midshipmen] to Piscataway tonight for Rutgers’ second primetime, weeknight game in as many weeks. Rutgers, who hopes to contend for both a Big East Championship and BCS berth this season, [pounded Navy 34-0](http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200610140102) last year en route to a school-best 11-2 record. But Midshipmen quarterback  Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, who was unexpectedly forced into last year’s contest against the Scarlet Knights after starter Brian Hampton went down early, returns one year wiser, faster and 10 pounds heavier in search of redemption.

Greg Schiano’s team hopes to improve to 2-0 after [slaughtering the woeful Buffalo Bulls] last Thursday, 38-3. Running back and Heisman-hopeful Ray Rice rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns in the victory, and wide receiver Tiquan Underwood hauled in 10 receptions for a school-record 248 yards. “If I am running the ball, we can really play-action and hit Tiquan over the top on those deep balls,” Rice said.

43,091 fans witnessed last week’s win—the third largest crowd in school history. And while Navy’s players might be accustomed to choppy waters, another turnout like that and the Midshipmen might be drowning in a sea of red and white this evening.