The Scarlet Faithful

Latest Episodes:

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' 88-85 OT win over Oregon Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights overcame late game adversity to earn its first Big Ten win of the season. Tariq Francis was fantastic followed by many key contributions that led to an opportunistic defense and dominant shooting from the foul line. Overall, Steve Pikiell's team is getting tougher and playing more team basketball than earlier in the season. How much room for improvement remains?#rutgersbasketball

Rapid Reaction: Steve Pikiell fails to have Rutgers prepared in blowout rivalry loss to Seton Hall Dec 14, 2025

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights played with little effort or purpose as they suffered the worst loss in this rivalry in a decade. While Harun Zrno, Lino Mark and Kaden Powers showed something, the rest of the team failed miserably. 18 turnovers and abysmal defense along with a puzzling offensive strategy made this one of the worst losses in the Pikiell era. #rutgersbasketball

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' 81-65 loss to No. 1 Purdue Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights got some positive performances but overall did not play well enough to ever seriously challenge the Boilermakers. A lack of tenacity on the boards and defense, too many mid-range shots once again, inability to finish at the rim and a rotation in flux all contributed to the defeat. #rutgersbasketball

Rutgers AD Keli Zinn needs to move forward with Schiano & Pikiell to better future of both programs Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

With fan frustration at a high level with both Greg Schiano and Steve Pikiell, new Rutgers AD Keli Zinn has only one realistic choice in the present. Despite some fans calling for both coaches to be fired, the most realistic plan is to generate as much NIL and resources possible to put both coaches in the best position possible to succeed in 2026. At the same time, Zinn needs to build belief and change perception with legitimate NIL resources at Rutgers to better the future of both programs long term. #rutgersfootball #rutgersbasketball

Rapid reaction to a season ending stomach punch 40-36 loss to Penn State Nov 30, 2025

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights had the ball with a lead midway through the fourth quarter but for the third time this season, they lost the game in Big Ten play. Another brutal defeat as Rutgers finishes 5-7 overall and misses a third straight bowl game. Heartbreak and frustration are episode highlights.#rutgersfootball

Rapid Reaction to Rutgers' 80-65 win over UNLV Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

After staring 0-3 in Vegas in the face trailing by 6 at the break, Rutgers played the best it has all season with a dominant second halve against UNLV. It was a balanced performance with many contributors. I discuss the rotation and where it can evolve from here. RU attacked the glass, got to the line and converted, played together and with toughness. It was a positive development heading into the hardest week for any team in college basketball with Michigan and Purdue up next.#rutgersbasketball

Can Rutgers earn statement victory against Penn State? Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

David Anderson and I preview the season ending showdown between Rutgers and Penn State. We discuss what the Scarlet Knights need to do to finally take down the Nittany Lions, the concerns with the PSU run game, what we hope the offensive game plan will be, the significance of what this win would represent as well as our favorite Thanksgiving pies and sides.#rutgersfootball

Big picture takeaways on Rutgers basketball following losses to No. 17 Tennessee & Notre Dame Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Topics include the offensive struggles from mid-range and why the strategy is flawed, the hope that Rutgers can build off its second half scrappiness against the Irish, Steve Pikiell's comment that sent the wrong message and why focusing on whether he's getting the most out of th team he has is the most important thing moving forward.#rutgersbasketball

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' rock bottom 67-54 home loss to CCSU Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

There have been plenty of signs of concern before and during this season so far but it all came to a head in arguably the most embarrassing loss of the Steve Pikiell era. Rutgers was outhustled, exhibited no leadership or toughness in a performance that breeds zero hope for the rest of the season. My full analysis and big picture thoughts of why it's not okay where the program is today.#rutgersbasketball

Rapid reaction to Rutgers overcoming double digit deficit to beat American 80-71 Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

The Scarlet Knights struggled to contain the Eagles from behind the arc and looked lost on offense at times. However, Dylan Grant starred once again and RU was able to improve to 4-0. That being said, there are several takeaways from the start of the season that have me concerned as the road is about to get much harder.#rutgersbasketball

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