Sports

Rutgers announces football schedule

The good news, or what some Rutgers fans may cling to, is the fact that the Scarlet Knights will play six teams next season that played in bowls last year. The bad news, or what some Rutgers critics may call attention to, is that only one of those teams is from out of conference.

Indeed, the 2010 schedule will, most likely, result in the Scarlet Knights pushing their consecutive bowl appearance streak to six. But it may come at the cost of some national exposure, as Rutgers will not do a lot of heavy lifting in the non-Big East portion of the slate.

After two years of opening the season with a Labor Day special on ESPN, the Scarlet Knights, who finished 9-4 last season, will open against Norfolk State on Thursday, Sept. 2 in Piscataway.

It doesn’t get much more alluring. Rutgers will also play at Florida International (Saturday, Sept. 11), and vs. Tulane (Saturday, Oct. 2). In fact, the only two non-league games that have marketable appeal is a home game Saturday, Sept. 25 vs. North Carolina, an 8-5 bowl team from a season ago, and a Saturday, Oct. 16 game at the new Meadowlands Stadium, vs. Army.

But, just like last year, the strength of schedule picks up during league play, and the Scarlet Knights — considering coach Brian Kelly is no longer with two-time defending champion Cincinnati — should have as good a shot as any to win the Big East and secure a BCS bid.

League play begins with an ESPN Friday home tilt against UConn Oct. 8. A lot will be will be expected of the Huskies this year, as they are coming off an 8-5 season in which they upset Notre Dame, 33-30, and whacked South Carolina, 20-7, in the Papa John’s Bowl.

The Scarlet Knights — who finished last year with two wins in their last three games, including a 45-24 win over Central Florida in the St. Petersburg Bowl — will also play host to Syracuse (Saturday, Nov. 13), and Louisville (Friday, Nov. 26).

On the road, it’s more difficult. Rutgers plays at Pitt (Saturday, Oct. 23), at South Florida (Wednesday, Nov. 3), at Cincinnati (Saturday, Nov. 20), and at West Virginia (Saturday, Dec. 4). All four of those teams made bowls last season, including two (Cincinnati and West Virginia) held on New Year’s Day.

Rutgers’ bowl streak began Dec. 27, 2005, with a 45-40 loss to Arizona State in the Insight Bowl. They have won four straight since, with victories over Kansas State, Ball State, N.C. State and Central Florida.

tsullivan@nypost.com

2010 Rutgers Football Schedule

Thurs., Sept. 2, vs. Norfolk State
Sat., Sept. 11, at Florida International
Sat., Sept. 25, vs. North Carolina
Sat., Oct. 2, vs. Tulane
Fri., Oct. 8, vs. UConn
Sat., Oct. 16, vs. Army**
Sat., Oct. 23, at Pitt
Wed., Nov. 3, at South Florida
Sat., Nov. 13, vs. Syracuse
Sat., Nov. 20, at Cincinnati
Fri., Nov. 26, vs. Louisville
Sat., Dec. 4, at West Virginia

** — at the new Meadowlands Stadium