Chris Ash is working hard to catch Rutgers up to Ohio State and the rest of the Big Ten

By any definition, Rutgers was bad in 2016. The Scarlet Knights finished 2-10 in Head Coach Chris Ash’s first season, were winless in Big Ten play, and were outscored 224-0 in four games against Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State. At 114th in S&P+, Rutgers finished behind powerhouses like San Jose State, Georgia State, and a 4-8 Bowling Green team Ohio State beat 77-0.

(Luckily for Jim Delany, the checks are still cashing.)

While Ash went from one end of the college football spectrum to another, in leaving Columbus for Piscataway last season, he’s been on the grind to transform the program, and there are signs of progress.

Rutgers’ 2017 recruiting class was among the highest rated in school history, and new practice facilities are on the way, as Ash tries to catch up —both on the field, and off— with other teams in the Big Ten East.

On this episode of The Hangout in the Holyland, On the Banks’ Aaron Breitman joins the show to talk about expectations for Ash in his second year, and why there is optimism for the program despite a dreadful 2016.

Aaron breaks down everything about the Scarlet Knights this season, including:

• Why restoring pride on the field is so important.
• Where the offense stands after a disastrous 2016.
• Hiring Jerry Kill as Offensive Coordinator, and whether his style fits with what Ash wants to do.
• A pretty solid defense that may actually win them some games!
• Needing major improvement from their special teams, and the return of all-world return man, Janarion Grant.
• Rutgers’ place in the Big Ten, building towards 2018, and more!

You can find the podcast on our iTunes page, and we encourage reviews, comments, criticisms, etc. to help us deliver the best possible audio product. The more we hear from you, the better we can make it. We’re also on Soundcloud, and you can subscribe via RSS on your Android and Windows Phone devices here.