Rutgers Football: Why 2018 will be best year of Chris Ash era

2. Ash’s confidence

Ash is now settled into his position after two full seasons and coming from a top program (he was previously the co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State) he knows what his team needs to do in order to win in the daunting Big Ten conference.

He remains steadfast and committed to the cause. In the above video (that is a rather lengthy press conference) he states this in his opening statement:

"“I really love this team. I love our guys. I really enjoy going to meetings, to practice and [I’m] just enjoying this process right now in training camp. We’ve worked extremely hard.”"

At Big Ten Media day, Ash spoke about a three-year plan he wanted to implement at Rutgers. His idea for Year 3: go to postseason play. In the same speech, he said he felt like the Scarlet Knights are on pace to achieving that goal.

He also shared sentiments about the players he has on this year’s team — more specifically, about the seniors.

"“We have an outstanding senior class. We’ve had the best offseason and the best summer that we’ve had… I’m very excited about that.”"

The looming question remains will the third leg of the plan successfully be put into fruition? There’s only one way to find out and that is determinant on the level of play Rutgers puts out onto the field this season. To reach a bowl game, the Scarlet Knights will have to win half its regular season games, which seems feasible on paper.