Listen, I still am really skeptical of the Greg Sciano spin machine. But fact is in 2006- this team, a lot of the same guys, showed they could play, run and hit with some of the best. They were in a league above the Dukes and Temples of the world for once. Great. And NJ DID DESERVE a football powerhouse instate- NJ produces a goodly share of the nations great athletes, and Rutgers has never been able to garner their fare share due to inadequate resources. All good. And this year, they have been OK. I would peg them about 30-40 on a power ranking as well.
That being said, they are still a step ahead of where they used to be. Its a POSITIVE step, something that cynical NJ has rarely seen in football. Don't give up the ship. Its a good thing for college football that Rutgers succeeds. The interest of millions more adults in college football will be invigorate by success along the Raritan.
Being ranked in the top 25-40 would be GREAT. Take it for what it is. No, they are not going to battle USC in the Rose Bowl anytime in my lifetime. But take it, please.
And be thankful you don't follow TEMPLE or DUKE football. Be very thankful.