South Florida @ Rutgers preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 3, 2010 ) Rutgers 27, South Florida 28

THE STORY: At one time or another earlier this season, both Rutgers and South Florida believed they had a chance at the Big East’s BCS berth. Both schools are technically still alive in that race, though the Bulls might actually have to win once or twice in conference. South Florida has dropped three straight since the beginning of conference play to fall from No. 14 nationally to unranked and in last place in the Big East. The Scarlet Knights got their hopes up with two wins to start conference play but have since dropped two straight to fellow contenders Louisville and West Virginia. Last week’s 41-31 lost to the Mountaineers exposed some flaws in a defense that up to that point had been Rutgers’ greatest strength. The Bulls will be looking to exploit some of those holes when they visit the Scarlet Knights.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: South Florida -2.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (4-3, 0-3 Big East): The Bulls have been on the wrong end of two close games in their past two outings, dropping a 16-10 decision at Connecticut on Oct. 15 and falling 37-34 to Cincinnati the following week. South Florida made a few changes during its bye week and will give quarterback B.J. Daniels something new with two freshman, Deonte Welch and Andre Davis, scheduled to start at wide receiver. Daniels passed for 409 in the loss to Cincinnati and has gone over 350 three times this season.

ABOUT RUTGERS (5-3, 2-2): The Scarlet Knights thrive defensively when they can create turnovers, leading the Big East with 15 interceptions and ranking second nationally with 26 turnovers gained. But after building a 31-21 halftime lead against West Virginia, the defense faltered and the offense disappeared. The Scarlet Knights were outscored 20-0 in the second half and turned the ball over four times in the game. True freshman quarterback Gary Nova has completed 46 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and five interceptions in the last two games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. The Scarlet Knights are 4-2 all-time against the Bulls, including 2-1 in New Jersey.

2. Rutgers kicker San San Te moved into second place on the school’s all-time scoring list with seven points against West Virginia, passing running back Ray Rice.

3. South Florida won last year’s meeting 28-27 in Tampa.

PREDICTION: South Florida 27, Rutgers 24 - With an extra week to prepare, the Bulls will snap their slide.