Army @ Rutgers preview
High Points Solutions Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 12, 2011 ) Rutgers 27, Army 12
Rutgers will look to put its first loss of the season in its rear-view mirror Saturday when it hosts Army. The 20th-ranked Scarlet Knights, who suffered a 35-23 setback to Kent State on Oct. 27, have won the last eight meetings versus the Cadets. After Saturday's game, Rutgers will face three straight Big East opponents in 13 days - with a home date versus Louisville to potentially decide first place in the conference. Army's bread and butter comes from its running game as it boasts and FBS-best 375.4 rushing yards per contest. Quarterback Trent Steelman continued his stellar career by rushing for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Cadets' 41-21 home triumph over Air Force last weekend. The road hasn't been kind for Army, which has dropped nine straight such contests.
TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Rutgers -18
ABOUT ARMY (2-7): The Cadets have rushed for at least 300 yards in their last five games. In addition to Steelman, Raymond Maples is averaging more than 100 yards per contest while Larry Dixon has six touchdowns. The passing game doesn't draw rave reviews, but Steelman can still mix in a few well-timed throws to keep defenses somewhat honest. Linebacker Nate Combs returned from his shoulder injury with a flourish. Combs recorded his first career interception and fell on a fumble for a touchdown last week.
ABOUT RUTGERS (7-1): While coach Kyle Flood's team experienced its second open date, Hurricane Sandy essentially made sure it was anything but smooth sailing. The New Jersey school lost power throughout the week, causing classes to by canceled and practice schedules to be altered. While Army relies on its running game, Rutgers' rush defense is fairly stingy (88.5 yards allowed). Quarterback Gary Nova will look to put his six-interception game versus Kent State behind him.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Rutgers posted a 27-12 triumph over Army last season in a game contested at Yankee Stadium.
2. Army has yielded a score on its opponents' opening drive in seven of nine games this season.
3. Former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand was paralyzed in a contest when the teams met in October 2010.
PREDICTION: Rutgers 35, Army 14