Syracuse @ Rutgers preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 1, 2011 ) Rutgers 19, Syracuse 16

Rutgers, one of 16 undefeated FBS teams, will try for its first 6-0 start since 2006 when it hosts Syracuse on Saturday. Behind sophomore running back Jawan Jamison, who rushed for his sixth straight 100-yard game in a 19-3 victory over Connecticut last week, and a staunch defense that ranks 15th in total defense at 296.8 yards per contest, fifth in points allowed (10.8) and second in rushing yards allowed (60.6), the Scarlet Knights have won each of their games by at least nine points. The Orange are coming off their first FBS victory in nearly a full calendar year after holding on to defeat Pittsburgh 14-13 last week without scoring a point in the final three quarters. Though Syracuse has managed only 24 points in its last two games, its defense is improving. The Orange allowed a combined 47 points in the last three games after giving up 42 apiece in back-to-back losses to Minnesota and No. 3 Southern California to start the season.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, Big East Network. LINE: Rutgers -7

RUTGERS (5-0, 2-0 Big East): The Scarlet Knights showed no signs of fading against the Huskies, forcing five turnovers while holding UConn to only 53 rushing yards. Rutgers has yet to allow a 2012 opponent to rush for 100-plus yards and have forced a turnover in eight consecutive games, totaling 18 in that span. On the other side of the ball, quarterback Gary Nova enters Saturday’s matchup 74-of-124 for 962 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. With three receivers at 18-plus catches and a capable pass-catcher in Jamison coming out of the backfield, Nova has a deep arsenal of weapons when coach Kyle Flood opts to throw the ball. Brandon Coleman leads the Scarlet Knights with 239 yards and five touchdowns, while Mark Harrison has 198 yards and three scores and Tim Wright has 239 yards.

SYRACUSE (2-3, 1-0 Big East): Big East play has offered a new glimmer of hope for Syracuse as its defense shined against Pitt. Led by Brandon Sharpe, who tallied four sacks and six tackles for loss, The Orange held the Panthers to 27 rushing yards on 37 carries. Offensively, though, the Orange have yet to play consistently for 48 minutes. Ryan Nassib has cooled off since starting the year with three straight 320-plus yard performances and a combined nine touchdowns. His 185 passing yards and 108.5 passer rating against Pitt were both drastic season-lows. Jerome Smith leads the Orange with 288 rushing yards, but the ground game could see a boost with senior tackle Justin Pugh back in the lineup for his second start since returning from a shoulder injury suffered this spring.

EXTRA POINTS

1. With a win, Rutgers would become 6-0 for only the third time since 1976 and the second time since joining the Big East in 1991.

2. Sharpe ranks second in the Big East in sacks at 1.1 per game and third in tackles for loss at 1.6 per game.

3. Rutgers has outscored opponents 38-3 in the third quarter this season.

PREDICTION: Rutgers 17, Syracuse 16