Entering 2009 many questions surrounded the Rutgers Scarlett Knights.  However, an offensive line returning five starters, including All-American candidate Anthony Davis, was not one.  Three games into the 2009 season and the offensive line has yet to live up to the preseason hype. 

Replacing departed QB Mike Teel and standout WRs Tiquon Underwood and Kenny Britt were among the chief concerns entering the season.  The QB situation seems to be settled with true freshman Tom Savage looking every bit like a future star.  The defense was suppose to be another strength entering the season but has struggled thus far.  But in the end, the offensive line was supposed to be the heart and soul of the Knights.  Not only was the line going to help usher in a new QB with great protection but it would pave the way for one the more talented running games in the league. 

The 2009 line was expected to be as talented as the 2006 unit featuring five starters who would eventually sign with NFL teams.    Instead, this unit is having trouble protecting its young QB and talented RBs Joe Martinek and Jourdan Brooks have struggled to find running room.  Through three games, the Knights have allowed nine sacks and average an anemic 3.9 yards per rush.  Along the way, Savage has been injured and the Scarlet Knights have struggled mightily to convert crucial third downs (15-43, 35%).  

So the big question is why?  Is it coaching? Was the line overrated?  Or is it the competition?  It certainly can’t be the competition considering Howard and FIU are the last two opponents, and the Knights obviously are more talented man than both.  Rutgers still runs the same zone blocking scheme so the unit should be well versed in its assignments.  From a Monday Morning QBs perspective it is a mixture of a lot of little things.  Obviously the proper adjustments are not being made so coaching must shoulder some of the blame.  Also, the Knights have developed an annoying habit of breaking the huddle only to stand at the line of scrimmage for a good 10 to 20 seconds before the snap.  Perhaps this is nothing but squatting in a stance for 10 to 20 seconds 50 times over three hours will wear down most anyone, particularly 300+ pound linemen.  With a young quarterback this can’t be directly attributed to coaching but it is something that even a casual fan can’t help but notice. 

Regardless of the reason improvement is absolutely necessary if Rutgers is going to challenge for a Big East title.  With so much experience up front and talented backs, the Knights should simply bludgeon its opponents with a power running game.  It sure sounds simple but the results just haven’t been there for Knights.  This week Rutgers travels to College Park for a battle with a putrid Maryland team fresh off a loss to Middle Tennessee State.  Up next on the Knights’ hideous early season schedule is a bye week followed by a visit from Texas Southern.  If the Knights can’t solve their offensive line issues over the next three weeks the problems most likely won’t be solved at all this season.