When Texas A&M pulled out of the Gator Bowl on Wednesday due to a COVID-19 outbreak, Greg Schiano was cautiously optimistic Rutgers would get the call.
But as the Scarlet Knights worked to get themselves in position to accept the unexpected bowl bid, Schiano said he took a “straw poll” of his team to make sure it wasn’t just the coach who wanted to take on No. 20 Wake Forest.
When his phone started blowing up with texts featuring gator emojis, he knew he wasn’t alone.
“They’re fired up, trust me. This is a team that will be ready to play,” Schiano said Thursday night after the Scarlet Knights formally accepted their Gator Bowl bid against the Demon Deacons on New Year’s Eve in Jacksonville (11 a.m. ET, ESPN).
“They’re thrilled to have the opportunity, especially in a bowl of this magnitude. We’re going to come down and have a good showing.”
Here is a brief rundown of what we learned off a bowl media call:
Return plans. Schiano said the coaching staff began working on a game plan for Wake Forest on Wednesday once a bowl bid became possible. The players will return to campus on Christmas night. The team will work out and have its first meetings Sunday. The Scarlet Knights are expected to leave for Jacksonville on Monday the 27th.
COVID-19. Schiano said the fact Rutgers is fully vaccinated will allow the Scarlet Knights to avoid virus issues as long as they practice caution.
Physically ready. Schiano said he believes Rutgers will be ready to go despite the layoff. The team continued to train the week after the season — when there was still the potential to receive a bowl bid at 5-7 immediately after the regular season — and the following week. Voluntary workouts were “well-attended” during finals week as well, Schiano said.
Waivers. Schiano said any veteran players who signed with an agent to begin their pursuit of the NFL will need a waiver to play in the game. But Rutgers compliance is confident those players — if they want to play — should be able to get those waivers without much issue given the unique circumstances. Schiano said some players may still opt out.
Keep it simple. “We’re not going to reinvent the wheel,” Schiano said. “We’re going to go out and play with great energy, great excitement and not make it real complicated, and see where the chips fall. I think our guys will play with great effort. When you do that, you give yourself a chance.”
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James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com
