Fansided

5 College Football Programs on the Decline

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Christian Holmes (44) sits on the bench after losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide 25-20 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Christian Holmes (44) sits on the bench after losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide 25-20 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Robert Martin (7) receives congratulations from offensive lineman Betim Bujari (55) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2014 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights running back Robert Martin (7) receives congratulations from offensive lineman Betim Bujari (55) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2014 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

With a win over Oregon in the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Ohio State put the Big Ten back on top of the college football world. The conference isn’t as strong from top to bottom as the SEC or Pac-12 yet, but with Michigan State and Wisconsin firmly entrenched as annual contenders and Michigan, Penn State and Minnesota on the rise, the league is improving as a whole.

However, for programs to rise others must fall. Nebraska is a candidate, though the Cornhuskers play in the much weaker Big Ten West and have the benefit of playing Illinois, Northwestern and Purdue every year. That means the biggest chance to decline is in the East and Rutgers is the choice.

The Scarlet Knights were 8-5 last year, but just 3-5 in their first season of Big Ten play. They’ve got some talent – most notably running backs Josh Hicks and Robert Martin and playmaking defensive lineman Kemoko Turay (7.5 sacks, three blocked kicks) – but either Chris Laviano or Hayden Rettig must replace quarterback Gary Nova.

Also, All-Big Ten wide receiver Leonte Carroo (55 catches, 1,086 yards, 10 TDs) will be back, but the Scarlet Knights must replace explosive receiver Andrew Turzilli (34.7 yards per catch on ten catches in 2014) and dependable tight end Tyler Kroft.

Overall, only ten starters return from last year’s squad, which is tied with Maryland for the fewest in the league, and the Scarlet Knights are one of just four Big Ten programs that must replace their quarterback. Rutgers must also find three new starters on the offensive line, which makes them the least experienced unit in the league entering the season.

As for the players that will be called upon to replace them, over the last three years Rutgers has averaged the 10th ranked recruiting class in the 14-team Big Ten and a national ranking of 53.

Rutgers also draws Wisconsin and Nebraska from the West in 2015 – teams that beat the Scarlet Knights 37-0 and 45-24 last season. Mitch Sherman of ESPN.com has projected Rutgers will win enough games (thanks primarily to a very weak non-conference slate of Norfolk State, Washington State, Kansas and Army) to snag the Big Ten’s final bowl berth. If they do, it’ll be by the skin of their teeth at 6-6 and even that is optimistic.

Next: Big 12: Kansas State

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