Penn State's Bill Belton's 'big time' words add fuel to potential Rutgers rivalry
During Big Ten Media Days, Penn State tailback, and New Jersey native, Bill Belton explained that he left the state - and Rutgers - behind because "I wanted to play big-time college football."
"I wanted to play big time college football, so I came to Penn State" - Bill Belton says when asked about Rutgers recruiting him.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) July 28, 2014
Belton's words traveled quickly to Rutgers, adding fuel to what many hope will be a Big Ten Conference rivalry between the Nittany Lions and the Scarlet Knights with Saturday's game.
Belton's comments hit close to home with Rutgers wide receiver Leonte Carroo because, although he was recruited by Penn State, he decided to stay and play for his state school.
"I wanted to stay home because I wanted to bring a championship back to New Jersey," Carroo told the Newark Star-Ledger. "You've got guys like Bill Belton, who's quoted as saying he wanted to go to Penn State because he wanted to play 'big-time football' instead of staying home.Well, I guess we're going to have to show him that he made that terrible decision."
A win at home for Rutgers against Penn State could help with recruiting, since the Scarlet Knights will be hosting top prospects for Saturday's game.
Rutgers and Penn State meet for the first time as Big Ten Conference members on Saturday afternoon.