Rutgers Needs to Fire Rice Immeadiately For His Actions

Video evidence shows Rutgers men's basketball head coach Mike Rice verbally and physically abusing his players. (Debby Wong)

As a fan of Rutgers University, I had hoped Mike Rice would be the man to rescue the men's basketball program from the cellar of the Big East and restore it to national prominence. Rice had shown promise at Robert Morris, leading them to the NCAA tournament. I saw glimpses of it translate to the court in big upset wins. I knew that Rice was a fiery coach and often yelled at officials and his players. What I did not know about was the verbal and physical abuse of his players that permeated his practices. ESPN released portions of video (which you can watch below) of Rice shoving, grabbing and throwing balls at players in practice and using gay slurs.

What is tragic about this is that Rutgers officials knew about this. The video isn't new. In fact, a former assistant coach presented it to athletic director Tim Pernetti in the fall. After viewing the video, Pernetti suspended Rice, fined him $50,000 and ordered him to attend anger management courses.

During ESPN's interview with Pernetti, he explained that university president Robert Barchi also viewed the tape this past fall and agreed with the punishment.How could both of them not fire Rice as a result of this? I understand that in certain instances someone may deserve a second chance. With clear physical and verbal abuse taking place here, this cannot be one of those instances.

Think about it this way. I am about to graduate from college and become an elementary teacher. If I yelled at and threw objects at my students, I would not only be fired, but I would be headed to jail as well. Rice should be fired and convicted of verbal and physical abuse as well. Just as this not acceptable behavior for a teacher or parent, it is not acceptable behavior for a coach either. Coaches and athletes cannot be above the law in their actions.

As much as I feel Rice should be fired for his actions, I feel just as strongly that Pernetti and Barchi should be relieved of their respective duties at Rutgers as well. Pernetti repeated referred to the video as Rice's "first offense." So the question becomes, how many chances do you get to assault an athlete? Coaches and universities preach that they do what's best for the student-athlete. Here's an example of what is not best for them. Their coach verbal attacking and physical abusing them personally.

How is this any different than what took place in State College? This case brings about some of the same troubling questions raised about Joe Paterno's time at Penn State, where the program and the coach were protected at all costs. That lead to a scandal that shocked the world. This video of Rice should do the same.

As one who considers myself a fan of Rutgers athletics, I am embarrassed of the university and their pathetic excuse of a slap on the wrist of Rice in December. As a college sports fan I am embarrassed by the actions of coaches such as Rice and school officials such as Pernetti and Barchi. They disgrace and demean students who are trying so diligently to shine. Now, it is time for Rice, Pernetti and Barchi to be publicly humiliated for their actions.

College Football Week 12 Preview and Predictions

In just his second collegiate start, Stanford's Kevin Hogan needs to play very well if the Cardinal are going to upset Oregon. (Ezra Shaw)

5. Kent State (9-1) @ Bowling Green (7-3) - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN3

The Mid-American Conference has some very good teams this year. Ohio University has been the focal point of most of the national media attention. However, the winner of this game will almost certainly play a very good Northern Illinois team in the MAC Championship. Kent State's only loss this season came way back on September 8 at Kentucky. Since then, the Golden Flashes have rolled off eight straight wins, including impressive road victories at Rutgers and Miami (OH). After starting the season 1-3, Bowling Green has rattled off six straight wins. With a 5-1 conference record, the Falcons are in position to upset Kent State and move into first place in the MAC East.

Prediction: Kent State 31 Bowling Green 24

4. Utah State (8-2) @ #20 Louisiana Tech (9-1) - 4:00 PM EST, ESPN3

The Western Athletic Conference is another loaded small conference that is still up for grabs. Utah State's only two losses have come by a combined five points. The Aggies defense will need to play very well as they face their toughest offensive opponent yet. Louisiana Tech's only loss was by two in a shootout with Texas A&M. The Bulldogs offense has been next to impossible to slow down. They have scored at least 44 points in every game this season except for one.

Prediction: Louisiana Tech 31 Utah State 27

3. #22 Rutgers (8-1) @ Cincinnati (7-2) - 12:00 PM EST, Big East Network/ESPN3

Rutgers has rolled through all of its competition this year, expect for the surprising home loss to Kent State that ended their quest for perfection. Due to last week's Syracuse upset of Louisville, the Scarlet Knights remain in position to win the Big East and potentially a BCS bowl berth. They have a tough road test this week before them. Back-to-back losses to Toledo and Louisville ended Cincinnati's hopes of a perfect season. If the Bearcats can pull the upset here, they will be back in the picture to win the Big East.

Prediction: Rutgers 24 Cincinnati 20

2. Wake Forest (5-5) @ #3 Notre Dame (10-0) - 3:30 PM EST, NBC

Wake Forest may only be 5-5, but Notre Dame has learned to not overlook any opponents. The Demon Deacons have had a season full of ups and downs. They come into this game off of their worst loss of the season (by 31 to North Carolina State). Notre Dame has found a way to win every game of the season, even though some have been prettier than others. The Fighting Irish must focus on the task at hand and not look ahead to their game at USC next week.

Prediction: Notre Dame 20 Wake Forest 3

1. #13 Stanford (8-2) @ #2 Oregon (10-0) - 8:00 PM EST, ABC

After a heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame in overtime, Stanford has won four straight games. The Cardinal seem to keep improving, even with a change at quarterback. Junior Josh Nunes has been benched in favor of freshman Kevin Hogan. Last week, Hogan threw three touchdown passes in Stanford's solid win over Oregon State. Undefeated Oregon is of course known by their explosive offense. In their last two games, quarterback Marcus Mariota has thrown for 681 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Ducks' De'Anthony Thomas is a danger man any time he steps onto the football field.

Prediction: Oregon 45 Stanford 31

College Football Week 8 Preview and Predictions

Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel will look to continue his success in Saturday's game against South Carolina. (Frederick Breedon)

5. #15 Rutgers (6-0) @ Temple (3-2) - 12:00 PM EST, Big East Network/ESPN3

At 6-0, Rutgers is off to their best start in six years. With two other Big East teams ranked and undefeated as well, the Scarlett Knights know that they need to keep winning if they hope to win the conference title and BCS bid. A big reason for their success has been their rock solid defense. The unit is anchored by senior linebacker Khaseem Greene. In last week's win over Syracuse, Greene had 14 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception, and 1 1/2 sacks. Offensively, junior running back Jawan Jamison leads the Big East in rushing yards with 665 yards on 158 carries.

Temple is actually a very similar team to Rutgers with a strong defense and rushing attack. Freshman linebacker Tyler Matakevich has burst on the scene with 27.5 tackles the past two weeks. On the other side of the football, senior running back Montel Harris is looking like his old self. In his last two games, he has rushed for 275 yards and three touchdowns.

Prediction: Rutgers 23 Temple 13

4. #17 Texas Tech (5-1) @ #23 TCU (5-1) - 3:30 PM EST, ABC/ESPN2

Heading into last week, neither of these teams would have been on anyone radar for best games. However, Texas Tech destroyed West Virginia 49-14 and TCU routed Baylor 49-21. Suddenly, both teams are ranked and in the hunt for the Big 12 title. For the Red Raiders, it was quarterback Seth Doege who outshined Heisman frontrunner Geno Smith. Doege threw for 504 yards and six touchdowns in the game. It is important to note that one of his favorite targets, sophomore tight end Jace Amaro, is questionable. He will have an impact in the game one way or the other.

TCU has had to move forward after starting quarterback Casey Pachall withdrew from the school following his arrest for drinking and driving. His replacement, Trevone Boykin, played very well last week. He threw for 261 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive side of the football, look for freshman defensive tackle Devonte Fields to have an impact on the game. He already has 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery on the season.

Prediction: Texas Tech 31 TCU 27

3. #6 LSU (6-1) @ #18 Texas A&M (5-1) - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN 3D

LSU's staple continues to be its stellar defenses. This season is no exception. While there are many standouts from the unit, junior linebacker Kevin Minter has a combined 29 tackles the past two weeks. Offensively, the Tigers rely on their deep running back core. Last week, their main man was freshman Jeremy Hill, who rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

Texas A&M is having a great season, but is still looking for that signature SEC win to make a statement that they are in the conference to compete. They have great opportunity on Saturday when they host LSU. When talking about the Aggies success this season, it is impossible to overlook the play of freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel. He is a true dual threat quarterback with the talent to take over any game. One of his favorite targets is fellow freshman Mike Evans. Evans has broken on to the scene in a big way as well.

Prediction: Texas A&M 20 LSU 16

2. #4 Kansas State (6-0) @ #13 West Virginia (5-1) - 7:00 PM EST, FOX

Kansas State keeps winning and moving up the rankings. When all is said and done though, the Wildcats go as senior quarterback Collin Klein goes. So far this season, he has been very good. Klein is a very balanced dual threat quarterback. He has over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season thus far. In a close game, special teams could play a significant role. Kansas State sophomore kick returner Tyler Lockett is one of the best in college football. He averages over 30 yards a return and has one touchdown.

West Virginia's offense looked unstoppable. That is until last week when they looked just plain ugly in a blowout loss to Texas Tech. However, even when he struggles, senior quarterback Geno Smith plays quite well and doesn't make many mistakes. He still hasn't thrown an interception all season. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey are playmakers. They are going to have to play like it for the Mountaineers to have success. Being at home, does give WVU a huge advantage.

Prediction: West Virginia 52 Kansas State 48

1. #7 South Carolina (6-1) @ #2 Florida (6-0) - 3:30 PM EST, CBS

South Carolina's schedule doesn't get an easier Saturday. Coming off a win over Georgia and their first loss of the season to LSU, the Gamecocks will look to keep their high level of play going against Florida on Saturday. However, they might have to do it without one of their best players. Running back Marcus Lattimore is questionable for the game with a bruised hip. That means that even more of the pressure might fall on quarterback Connor Shaw. He must be willing to step up as he is needed to in order for the Gamecocks to find success.

Florida has to be on an emotional high after the BCS rankings came out with them ranked #2 in the polls. The Gators have a very balanced offense. Senior running back Mike Gillieslee is as consistent a back as they come and is very good in the redzone. Sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel is coming off a record-setting game against Vanderbilt. He is a dual threat danger at any time.

Prediction: Florida 20 South Carolina 17

Breaking Down the Early Favorites for the BCS Bowls

Mike Gillislee and the Florida Gators were the big beneficiaries when the first BCS polls were released Sunday. (Sam Greenwood)

The first BCS polls for this season were released today. You can check out the polls for yourself below. There are definitely some surprises, such as the computers really liking Florida. Based off the polls, I am going to reveal my current predictions for the BCS bowls and look at which teams are on the radar for all of them as well.

The first BCS polls of the season were released Sunday. (Graphic credit to ESPN.com)

Discover BCS National Championship Game

Current Prediction: Alabama vs. Oregon

On the radar for BCS No. 1 & No. 2 spots: Florida, Notre Dame, Kansas State, Mississippi State, LSU, Oklahoma, USC

Analysis: Alabama has the edge on Florida right now in the human polls. If they both win out, they will meet in the SEC Championship Game to decide who will advance to the National Championship game. Both have hurdles to get past to get to that point. Oregon doesn't rank near was well in the computer polls, but if they go undefeated, it is hard to imagine them not in the National Championship game. Among the remaining undefeated teams, Notre Dame has the edge on Kansas State and Mississippi State based on strength of schedule. LSU, Oklahoma, USC are the one loss teams that could have a chance if they win out.

Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio

Current Prediction: Michigan vs. USC

On the radar for the Big Ten spot: Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa

On the radar for the Pac-12 spot: Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona State

Analysis: With Ohio State and Penn State ineligible, it is hard to determine which team will arise out of the mediocrity as the Big Ten champion. With so much still undecided, I have to favor in honor of who I believe the biggest difference maker is. That player is Michigan's Denard Robinson. He has to make smart decisions  but all the talent needed is there. If Oregon doesn't make it to the National Championship game, they will likely be the Pac-12 team here. The question becomes if USC loses to both Oregon and Notre Dame, will they be ranked high enough to be eligible for a BCS bowl? If not, Oregon State or Arizona State could sneak in as an outsider.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Current Prediction: Kansas State vs. Notre Dame

On the radar for the Big 12 spot: Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia

On the radar for the at-large spot: Florida State, Clemson, Oregon, USC, Oregon State, Ohio

Analysis: The Big 12 champion will almost certainly play here as Kansas State's odds of getting into the National Championship are slim to none. Right now, I am giving the edge to the Wildcats to play here based the fact that are the most well-positioned. I do not believe that they are the best team in the conference. Should they stumble, that opens the door for the above stated other Big 12 contenders. All three have legitimate shots at making it. Notre Dame will almost certainly play here, unless they are playing in the National Championship game or have more than two losses. If one of those things happens, it opens up the door for a one-loss, non-conference champion from the ACC or Pac-12. The Cinderella team looking in from the outside is Ohio University, who is 7-0. If the Bobcats run the table, the BCS will be busted wide open.

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Current Prediction: South Carolina vs. Oklahoma

On the radar for the SEC spot: Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, Georgia, LSU

On the radar for the at-large spot: Kansas State, West Virginia, Texas Tech

Analysis: With how loaded the top of the SEC is, you could end up seeing any of the contenders here. If Alabama wins the conference championship and goes undefeated, they will be in the National Championship game. However, the team they bet in the SEC title game, will likely miss out on the Sugar Bowl due to the loss. That opens the door up for a whole slate of SEC teams. The second best Big 12 will almost certainly play here, unless a team from their conference is in the National Championship game (not likely).

Discover Orange Bowl

Current Prediction: Florida State vs. Rutgers

On the radar for the ACC spot: Clemson, Virginia Tech

On the radar for the Big East spot: Louisville, Cincinnati

Analysis: It doesn't seem likely that a BCS buster will play a role in this game, meaning it will be the ACC champion against the Big East champion. Even though Florida State and Clemson both have one conference loss, I am giving the edge to the Seminoles based on their head-to-head win over the Tigers. The Big East boasts three undefeated teams as their cream of their crop. Louisville and Cincinnati have a big matchup coming up on October 26. I give Rutgers the edge over both of them based on their rock solid defense. The Scarlet Knights play the Cardinals the last week of the season in a game that could have huge implications.

Weekend Special: Who Should be on Upset Alert?

Saturday's Games to Watch

West Virginia @ #4 Syracuse - 1:00PM, ESPNU

The key matchup here will be how Syracuse handles West Virginia star Kevin Jones inside. The Orange are without Fab Melo once again, so they will need their other big men to step up defensively and on the glass. Jones as been an absolute force in Big East play this season. If the Mountaineers have a shot at the upset, they will need Jones to be that stellar again.

Texas @ #7 Baylor - 1:00PM, CBS

Texas is an improving young team that is fully capable of pulling an upset. However, they will play an angry Baylor team that is coming off its first two losses of the season. If they Bears exploit their advantage inside, they should get the win.

#16 Mississippi State @ #13 Florida - 1:30PM, ESPN3

Mississippi State has the size and strength inside to possibly give Florida some trouble. The Gators guards have been playing great and their team defense has stepped up in a big way as of late. This game should give us a better picture of both teams chances in March.

#5 Kansas @ Iowa State - 2:00PM, ESPN

This is a popular upset pick among the experts. Iowa State has an edge on the perimeter with their great guard play. They also have a big man in Royce White, who is capable of holding Kansas stud Thomas Robinson in check. The Hilton Coliseum should be on a full tilt, so Kansas is going to have to play very well in order to exit as the victors.

Middle Tennessee @ Vanderbilt - 2:00PM

This is a statement game for Middle Tennessee. They have a 20-2 record overall and are 9-0 in Sun Belt Conference play. However, this is there last chance to get a signature non-conference win. Vanderbilt has had their ups and downs all season. It will be interesting to see how they play against an amped up Blue Raiders team.

Cincinnati @ Rutgers - 6:00PM, ESPN3

Cincinnati was cruising having won 10 out of 11 games. But then they dropped their last two prior to this one. Rutgers has had their moments this season and have shown signs of hope for the future. The Scarlet Knights would love to get another quality win under their belts. It will be interesting to see how the Bearcats bounce back. If they are going to be a serious contender, this is a must win game.

#20 St. Mary's @ BYU - 9:00PM, ESPNU

St. Mary's convincingly won the first matchup of these two teams. The Gaels are currently looking like the favorites to win the West Coast Conference. BYU is currently sitting square on the bubble. They have a solid record, but a lack of quality wins. If they were able to pull the upset here, this would be a big step in the right direction.

Marshall @ Memphis - 9:00PM, CSS

Both of these teams are near the top of what is a crowded Conference USA standings. Marshall had some solid wins early in the season and even competed well at the Carrier Dome with Syracuse. As of late, the Thundering Herd have stumbled a bit, losing three in a row. On the other hand, Memphis is playing some of its best basketball right now. The Tigers are winners of eight of their last nine. This is an intriguing matchup with clear conference implications.

Sunday's Games to Watch

Notre Dame @ #19 Connecticut - 12:00PM, ESPN3

Connecticut won the previous matchup in South Bend in convincing fashion, but much has changed since then. Notre Dame upset Syracuse handing them their first and only loss of the season so far. The Fighting Irish are playing with a lot of confidence right now. Conversely, Connecticut has lost four out of their last six. The Huskies are looking to return to form. This is another statement game for both of these teams.

#22 Michigan @ #3 Ohio State - 1:00PM, CBS

Everyone normally talks about this rivalry in reference to a football game, but this is matchup of two Top 25 teams among the top of the Big Ten. Michigan has had their ups and downs, but are 3-2 against Top 25 teams, including a big win over in-state rival Michigan State. Ohio State has looked dominant at times, but there has also been a couple of pitfalls in their schedule so far this season. The Buckeyes will look to Jared Sullinger to lead the way once again. He is coming off a big game in a win over Penn State.

Big East Power Rankings: How Good is Cincinnati?

This is my January 19th breakdown of the Big East Conference Power Rankings from top to bottom. Some questions that are begging to be answered: Can Syracuse go undefeated?; How good is Cincinnati?; Does Seton Hall have a chance of making the tournament?; How can Pittsburgh be 0-6 in Big East play?

1. Syracuse Orange, 20-0 (7-0)

Best Wins: Stanford*, Florida, Marquette

Worst Losses: N/A

Analysis: There is no denying that Syracuse is the best team in the country right now. They are undefeated, but the question I have is how good are they. The wins against Florida and Marquette are quality ones, but the rest of their competition hasn't been that tough. They have played mostly lower-tier Big East teams in conference play so far. I don't think they will go undefeated. They have too many tough games left. However, that does not mean they aren't the best team in the country.

Next Game: Saturday @ Notre Dame

2. Cincinnati Bearcats, 15-4 (5-1)

Best Wins: Notre Dame, @Georgetown, @Connecticut

Worst Losses: Presbyterian, Marshall (OT), St. John's

Analysis: December 10, 2011 was one of the ugliest days in University of Cincinnati basketball history. The team lost to Queen City rival Xavier and fell to 5-3 on the season, but that wasn't the worst of it. At the end of the game, the Bearcat players got into a fight with the Musketeer players that led Cincinnati senior Yancy Gates stomp on the head of a Xavier player. Gates and three other Bearcats were suspended as a result. However, the fight seems to be the wakeup call the team needed. Since the fight, Cincinnati has gone 10-1, including three Top 25 upsets. Bearcat sophomore guard Sean Kilpatrick has led the way on the court.

Next Game: Saturday @ West Virginia

3. Georgetown Hoyas, 15-3 (5-2)

Best Wins: @Alabama, @Louisville, Marquette

Worst Losses: Kansas*, @West Virginia, Cincinnati

Analysis: Georgetown has put together an unexpectedly good season so far. The Hoyas are off to a great start at 15-3, including an eleven game winning streak. Senior guard Jason Clark has been leading the way. Clark scored a career-high 31 points in his last game against Depaul. For the Hoyas' success to continue, they are going to need Clark to keep playing well.

Next Game: Saturday vs. Rutgers

4. Marquette Golden Eagles, 15-4 (4-2)

Best Wins: @Wisconsin, Pittsburgh, Louisville

Worst Losses: LSU, Vanderbilt, Georgetown

Analysis: Marquette's season started out amazingly as the Golden Eagles were 10-0, including a upset win at in-state rival Wisconsin. But then, things fell apart as the team lost three out of five. The team has righted the ship since winning three in a row, but it is difficult to know how good this team is. They were in position to upset Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, before they let it slip away late. If this team is going to make a deep run in the tournament that is the type of wins they are going to need to get. The heart of this Marquette team is their top two seniors, Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder.

Next Game: Saturday @ Providence

5. West Virginia Mountaineers, 14-5 (4-2)

Best Wins: Kansas State (2OT), Georgetown, @Marshall

Worst Losses: Kent State, @Mississippi State, @Seton Hall

Analysis: West Virginia has had their ups and down this season. While it has been mostly ups, it is difficult to know how good the Mountaineers really are. One thing that isn't difficult to figure out is how good Kevin Jones has been this season. He is averaging 20.4 ppg and 11.4 rpg on the season. In my opinion, he is making a great case to be Big East Player of the Year and even an All-American.

Next Game: Saturday vs. Cincinnati

6. Seton Hall Pirates, 15-4 (4-3)

Best Wins: @Dayton, West Virginia, Connecticut

Worst Losses: Northwestern, South Florida, Villanova

Analysis: Seton Hall might make the NCAA tournament. Who thought that before the season?Not many people I am sure. A pair of seniors, Herb Pope and Jordan Theodore, have stepped up big for second-year head coach Kevin Willard. The Pirates got off to a fantastic 15-2 start, but have now lost two in a row to South Florida and Villanova. Since neither of those teams are very talented, Seton Hall will look to bounce back in their next game after getting a week off.

Next Game: Wednesday vs. Notre Dame

7. Connecticut Huskies, 14-4 (4-3)

Best Wins: Florida State*, Harvard, West Virginia

Worst Losses: UCF, Seton Hall, Rutgers

Analysis: Connecticut is another tough team to get a read on. A big question for the Huskies is who they are going to have on the court. Freshman guard Ryan Boatright sat out games while being investigated by the NCAA, then he was cleared to play some games, and now he is sitting out again. Without Boatright, the team loses one of their scorers and, more importantly, depth at the guard positions. One player that might be the key to success for the Huskies is freshman Andre Drummond. If Drummond can develop into a dominant post player, this team will get much better. If he does not, I am not sold on this team making a deep tournament run right now.

Next Game: Saturday @ Tennessee

8. Louisville Cardinals, 14-5 (2-4)

Best Wins: Ohio, Vanderbilt (OT), Memphis

Worst Losses: Notre Dame (2OT), @Providence, @Marquette

Analysis: Everyone thought Louisville was really good when they were 12-0, but upon examining their schedule, one realizes that it was a mere illusion. Since their 12-0 start, the Cardinals have gone 2-5. Granted some of those games were against difficult opposition, but the problem is that those are the types of teams you are going to play come tournament time. Louisville might have a balanced attack that is distributed by Peyton Siva, but this team doesn't look ready to compete with the big boys.

Next Game: Saturday @ Pittsburgh

9. South Florida Bulls, 11-8 (4-2)

Best Wins: Rutgers, @Villanova, Seton Hall

Worst Losses: Old Dominion*, Penn State*, @Auburn

Analysis: South Florida has benefited from an easy Big East schedule so far to get to this point. The Bulls only have a 7-6 record against a mediocre non-conference schedule. The fact that they have done so well in Big East play so far, doesn't bode well for the conference. Interestingly enough, South Florida's remaining schedule isn't that difficult either. If the Bulls play well, they could be looking at a possible NIT bid.

Next Game: Sunday @ Depaul

10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 11-8 (3-3)

Best Wins: Florida (2OT), Connecticut, Notre Dame

Worst Losses: Illinois State*, Richmond*, Princeton

Analysis: Head coach Mike Rice is starting to turn around the Rutgers basketball program. It's a difficult job, but he is doing a great job of it. The upset wins over Florida and UConn are the types of wins he needs to get his players to believe in him and to help him recruit the best players he can. A pair of freshman guards, Eli Carter and Myles Mack, are the main ones helping lead the Scarlet Knight turnaround. If the team keeps playing well, they will definitely be deserving of NIT consideration.

Next Game: Saturday @ Georgetown

11. Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 11-8 (3-3)

12. Providence Friars, 12-7 (1-5)

13. Depaul Blue Demons, 10-8 (1-5)

14. Pittsburgh Panthers, 11-8 (0-6)

15. Villanova Wildcats, 9-10 (2-5)

16. St. John's Red Storm, 8-10 (2-5)

* Game played at neutral site

Pesky Piscataway Performance Pulls Upset Win in Double Overtime

Mike Rice is in his second year as the head coach of the Rutgers men's basketball team. In his first head coaching position, Rice led Robert Morris University to three regular season conference championships in three years. Two of the seasons, the Colonials made it to the NCAA tournament. These tournament appearances were the first for the university since 1992.

Coach Rice has been trying to bring that winning success to Piscataway, New Jersey. It has been an uphill climb for the team for the past two decades. The Scarlet Knights' last tournament appearance was in 1991. Their last tournament win dates back to 1983.

The #10 Florida Gators entered the game coming off a big win over in-state rival Florida State. The Gators controlled most of the game and seemed to be set to secure the win tonight when they got their lead up to seven points with 2:49 left in regulation. But the Scarlet Knights refused to give up. The team rallied to tie the score at 66 and even had a shot to win at the buzzer, but it went begging.

The game was headed to overtime. With 31 seconds left in overtime, Gator sophomore Patric Young made two free throws to give his team a three point lead. However, the night belonged to a freshman Scarlet Knight named Eli Carter. Carter came off a screen and made a contested three pointer to tie the score with 22 seconds left. Florida had a chance to win it, but some tough Rutgers defense forced a turnover.

This one had a date with double overtime. In double overtime, the Scarlet Knights gained their largest lead of the night, 82-78, when Carter made a jumper with 1:46 to go. The next possession, Florida freshman Bradley Beal answered with a three pointer. Carter drew the Gators' attention and then kicked out to Myles Mack for three. He made it. Erving Walker responded with a jumper to trim the Rutgers lead to two. Rutgers' next possession ended in a shot clock violation, which gave the Gators the chance to tie the score once more. Walker tried to drive into the lane, but some tough Scarlet Knights defense caused him to take a tough jump shot that rattled off the rim.

That was it. Rutgers had pulled the improbable upset. Freshman Eli Carter finished with a season-high 31 points and demonstrated spectacular, clutch leadership. After the game Carter said, "My teammates had confidence in me. I took the big shot and made it."

Coach Rice had been trying to get his players to buy into his system and believe in it. Tonight, he got the signature, non-conference upset he needed to get his players, community, and fan base to believe in him. The Scarlet Knights might finally be ready to climb out of the Big East cellar.

Game highlights: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7402231

Post-game interview of Coach Rice and Eli Carter: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7402273