It was year two of the ultimately disastrous Mike Rice era, and there was optimism on the banks. After a competitive and exciting year 1, Rice had brought in a seven man freshman class that everyone thought would have the Scarlet Knights dancing and quickly. The season got off to a rough and tumble start as the seven freshman struggled to adjust to the pace of the game. This team had just two juniors and not a single senior on it.
So the excitement of the season was waning just a little bit as Rutgers had limped out to a 7-5 start.