Ohio @ Rutgers preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 16, 2006 ) Ohio 7, Rutgers 24

THE STORY: Rutgers has had two weeks to shake off a loss at North Carolina and prepare for a home game against surprising Ohio. The Bobcats are coming off a rivalry win at home against Marshall and have used a high-scoring attack to win their first three games. Look for Saturday's matchup to be a lower scoring affair. Ohio is surrendering just 11.3 points per game while Rutgers is close behind, giving up just 12 points per game. Ohio is 12th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 248 yards per game, while Rutgers is 12th in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 70 yards per game.

TV: ESPN3.com. LINE: Rutgers -4.

ABOUT RUTGERS (1-1, 0-0 Big East): True freshman running back Savon Huggins will get his first career start, with coach Greg Schiano hoping he can provide a spark for the struggling ground game. Rutgers is averaging just 69 yards per game on the ground, which in the bottom ten nationally. Overall, the offense is still developing under first year starting quarterback Chas Dodd. But defensively, Rutgers is one of only eight teams ranked in the top 15 nationally in points and yards allowed.

ABOUT OHIO (3-0, 0-0 MAC): The Ohio offense is predicated on speed, and redshirt sophomore quarterback Tyler Tettleton has run it like a seasoned veteran. Tettleton has thrown for seven touchdowns and added three rushing scores while only committing one turnover. The no-huddle offense, which resembles Oregon's, has proved puzzling for opposing defenses as the Bobcats are averaging nearly 40 points per game. The team may be without starting running back Donte Harden, who missed the second half of last week's game with a groin injury. The defense forced six Marshall turnovers last week but should not expect to be so lucky this week. Rutgers has a plus-4 turnover margin, tied for best in the country.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ohio is 3-0 for the first time since 1976.

2. Rutgers WR Mohamed Sanu's 20 receptions represent half the completed passes for Rutgers, the highest percentage in the Big East.

3. With one field goal Saturday, Ohio K Matt Weller will become the school's all-time leader in made field goals.

PREDICTION: Ohio 24, Rutgers 20 – Ohio's fast-paced offense and experience earns the Bobcats a big upset victory.