The Scarlet Faithful

A podcast dedicated to covering Rutgers Athletics with a focus on football and men's basketball. Hosted by Aaron Breitman, a fan since the mid-80's and a class of 2000 graduate of Rutgers College. Aaron has covered Rutgers sports extensively over the last nine plus years, previously as managing editor of On The Banks and co-founder of The Scarlet Faithful website. Episodes include analysis, game previews, postgame rapid reactions, recruiting, Rutgers related guests and more.

Rapid Reaction: Steve Pikiell fails to have Rutgers prepared in blowout rivalry loss to Seton Hall

The Scarlet Knights played with little effort or purpose as they suffered the worst loss in this rivalry in a decade. While Harun Zrno, Lino Mark and Kaden Powers showed something, the rest of the team failed miserably. 18 turnovers and abysmal defense along with a puzzling offensive strategy made this one of the worst losses in the Pikiell era. #rutgersbasketball

12-14
18:40

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' 81-65 loss to No. 1 Purdue

The Scarlet Knights got some positive performances but overall did not play well enough to ever seriously challenge the Boilermakers. A lack of tenacity on the boards and defense, too many mid-range shots once again, inability to finish at the rim and a rotation in flux all contributed to the defeat. #rutgersbasketball

12-03
17:26

Rutgers AD Keli Zinn needs to move forward with Schiano & Pikiell to better future of both programs

With fan frustration at a high level with both Greg Schiano and Steve Pikiell, new Rutgers AD Keli Zinn has only one realistic choice in the present. Despite some fans calling for both coaches to be fired, the most realistic plan is to generate as much NIL and resources possible to put both coaches in the best position possible to succeed in 2026. At the same time, Zinn needs to build belief and change perception with legitimate NIL resources at Rutgers to better the future of both programs long term. #rutgersfootball #rutgersbasketball

12-01
22:05

Rapid reaction to a season ending stomach punch 40-36 loss to Penn State

The Scarlet Knights had the ball with a lead midway through the fourth quarter but for the third time this season, they lost the game in Big Ten play. Another brutal defeat as Rutgers finishes 5-7 overall and misses a third straight bowl game. Heartbreak and frustration are episode highlights.#rutgersfootball

11-30
20:36

Rapid Reaction to Rutgers' 80-65 win over UNLV

After staring 0-3 in Vegas in the face trailing by 6 at the break, Rutgers played the best it has all season with a dominant second halve against UNLV. It was a balanced performance with many contributors. I discuss the rotation and where it can evolve from here. RU attacked the glass, got to the line and converted, played together and with toughness. It was a positive development heading into the hardest week for any team in college basketball with Michigan and Purdue up next.#rutgersbasketball

11-28
18:20

Can Rutgers earn statement victory against Penn State?

David Anderson and I preview the season ending showdown between Rutgers and Penn State. We discuss what the Scarlet Knights need to do to finally take down the Nittany Lions, the concerns with the PSU run game, what we hope the offensive game plan will be, the significance of what this win would represent as well as our favorite Thanksgiving pies and sides.#rutgersfootball

11-27
35:03

Big picture takeaways on Rutgers basketball following losses to No. 17 Tennessee & Notre Dame

Topics include the offensive struggles from mid-range and why the strategy is flawed, the hope that Rutgers can build off its second half scrappiness against the Irish, Steve Pikiell's comment that sent the wrong message and why focusing on whether he's getting the most out of th team he has is the most important thing moving forward.#rutgersbasketball

11-26
20:52

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' rock bottom 67-54 home loss to CCSU

There have been plenty of signs of concern before and during this season so far but it all came to a head in arguably the most embarrassing loss of the Steve Pikiell era. Rutgers was outhustled, exhibited no leadership or toughness in a performance that breeds zero hope for the rest of the season. My full analysis and big picture thoughts of why it's not okay where the program is today.#rutgersbasketball

11-22
21:35

Rapid reaction to Rutgers overcoming double digit deficit to beat American 80-71

The Scarlet Knights struggled to contain the Eagles from behind the arc and looked lost on offense at times. However, Dylan Grant starred once again and RU was able to improve to 4-0. That being said, there are several takeaways from the start of the season that have me concerned as the road is about to get much harder.#rutgersbasketball

11-19
15:52

Rutgers pulls away from Lehigh with 84-72 victory

Dylan Grant shined in a big way with 28 points on 9-15 from the floor and 9-10 from the line while big man Emmanuel Ogbole registered a double double. The Scarlet Knights dominated inside but it was a one possession game with under 8 minutes to go. We discuss the positives in the win and concerns overall with this team.#rutgersbasketball

11-15
11:21

Rapid reaction to Rutgers' 72-60 win over Maine

Both teams shot well from three as RU forced 18 turnovers and dominated the glass in a game that wasn't as close as the final score. Denis Badalau had a big first half, Dylan Grant posted a double double and Darren Buchanan played solidly once again.#rutgersbasketball

11-11
11:11

Rutgers gets off the mat once again in 35-20 win over Maryland

Greg Schiano proves he is a master motivator in leading the Scarlet Knights to a must win over the Terps on Saturday. Complimentary football was the key as Antwan Raymond had a career day, the offense scored four touchdowns in the red zone and the defense made key stops in the second half. RU is now 5-5 overall and bowl hopes remain alive. The floor and ceiling conversation for the program included.#rutgersfootball

11-09
13:58

Rutgers faces must win against Maryland to keep bowl hopes alive

David Anderson and I discuss a pivotal matchup on Saturday (2:30pm ET; FS1) between the Scarlet Knights and Terps. The speed of Maryland could be a major problem but can RA win the battle in the red zone on both ends? A full game preview is here.#rutgersfootball

11-07
22:58

Rutgers rolls Rider 81-53 as small backcourt shines

Tariq Francis and Jamichael Davis opened the season with efficient offensive performances while Dylan Grant was solid inside as Rutgers defeated the Broncs. The Scarlet Knights shot well from three and held Rider to just 28% shooting. However, a poor shooting night overall and no offensive output inside raises concerns as to whether Rutgers is built to win in Big Ten play.

11-06
11:06

As Steve Pikiell's 10th season at Rutgers begins, a lot must go right to exceed low expectations

A full 2025-2026 season preview includes thoughts on Steve Pikiell's defensive attitude after three disappointing campaigns in a row, the many questions that exist for this team, the biggest key being Harun Zrno, the low expectations and many things that must go right to have a winning season, the importance of generating positive momentum and being a likeable team as well as the hope that having its back against the wall leads to positive results for this program once again.#rutgersbasketball

11-03
32:44

After Rutgers' 35-13 loss to Illinois, it's fair to wonder if Greg Schiano can get momentum back

The Scarlet Knights continue to make the same mistakes and allow big play after big play. The defensive coaching staff has failed miserably and it's on Schiano to fix it. The offense has regressed as well. With a chance to get momentum back against Maryland this week, if Rutgers can't it's fair to wonder if Schiano will be able to bounce back this season and beyond.#rutgersfootball

11-03
16:46

Previewing a major opportunity for Rutgers at Illinois

David Anderson and I preview a critical road game against the Illini that can reshape the outlook of this season. We recap some key takeaways from the win at Purdue, keys to victory against Illinois as well as matchups to watch for.#rutgersfootball

10-31
31:13

Rutgers survives Purdue 27-24 giving a little hope to another November surge

The Scarlet Knights overcame a 10-0 first half deficit to pull out a much needed first Big Ten victory on the road at Purdue. The passing game thrived, the defense got the big turnover late and Jai Patel sang his redemption song. However, there were plenty of struggles against a team that has lost 14 straight games in conference play. Is a repeat of last November possible or just a pipe dream?#rutgersfootball

10-26
14:58

Previewing a must win scenario for Rutgers at Purdue

David Anderson joins to recap the blowout loss to Oregon and preview the critical matchup at Purdue on Saturday. Keys to victory, how RU should game plan and concerns for this matchup and more.#rutgersfootball

10-24
27:55

Can Rutgers Football fix the issues that have led to 0-3 start in Big Ten play?

David Anderson and I run through the problems on offense and defense, discuss potential solutions, lament on the coaching staff's approach and debate whether this season can be salvaged or if a full disaster is in progress. If you wanted to hear two middle aged long time fans rant about the state of Rutgers football for over an hour, you've come to the right place.#rutgersfootball

10-13
01:06:24

Awix Baslet

Scarlet iOS https://usescarlet.app/ is a powerful third-party app installer for iPhone and iPad that allows users to download and manage apps, tweaks, and emulators not available on the official App Store, all without requiring a jailbreak.

08-11 Reply

Recommend Channels