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Game Is Huge For Both Teams

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 18, 2007

Tim Pernetti, a lifetime New Jersey guy, was a tight end at Rutgers University from 1990 to 1993, playing four seasons under Coach Doug Graber. Pernetti, who handles color commentary on Rutgers' radio network, is the executive vice president of CSTV (College Sports Television), where he has worked since 2003. Pernetti spoke about his time at Rutgers and tonight's game against USF:

Growing up in Jersey, all those years I played, so many people knew Rutgers football had potential. The fans had been dying for a college football team they could call their own and be proud of. Seeing that come true has been really rewarding, especially the way the entire tri-state area has just wrapped its arms around Rutgers football.

Tonight's game is huge for both teams. Rutgers wants to prove that it's still a powerful team in the Big East. Rutgers needs this one because with two losses in the Big East, it's an uphill climb in every sense of the word.

USF wants to prove that it's worthy of that No. 2 spot in the BCS. I know one thing. Rutgers knows USF is a quality team. Rutgers was fortunate to get out of Tampa with a 22-20 win last season, that's for sure.

You're going to see some familiar things from Rutgers, namely Ray Rice. Ray is Ray. He's going to carry it 25, 30 times. He's going to get his yards. But the difference I see is Rutgers is going down the field a little more in the passing game.

Quarterback Mike Teel has matured and he has a lot more confidence. I see the same thing with USF quarterback Matt Grothe. Teel has three very good receivers and a terrific offensive line.

He's only been sacked four times. He was sacked only eight times all of last season. That's something to watch because you know that USF front seven can really bring it.

These really are the best of times for Rutgers football and I think one of the key figures in helping our program was Doug Graber now a broadcaster in Tampa.

In tight games, the fire in his eyes was just like the fire in your eyes. I really appreciated playing for a coach like that. He gave Rutgers stability and recruited some great players. He also was very instrumental in helping to get a new stadium built.

Back then, we put in a lot of hard work, but never got to go to anything like a bowl game or get a shot at winning a Big East championship. Now those things are right there for Rutgers. I'm just glad to be a part of it, even in a small way.

Joey Johnston

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