Opponent Preview: Rutgers
October 09, 2013 | Football
Oct. 9, 2013
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Rutgers comes into Thursday's matchup against Louisville holding a 4-1 record on the season. In its last time out, the Scarlet Knights posted a 55-52 triple overtime victory against SMU, despite allowing 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime.
Arguably Rutgers' biggest win of the year came against SEC opponent Arkansas, 28-24, after a touchdown with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Scarlet Knights' only loss came in the season opener at Fresno State in overtime. In a back and forth contest, Rutgers elected to go for the two-point conversion instead of kicking the extra point and sending the game into double overtime. The two point attempt was not successful and Rutgers lost 52-51.
Rutgers currently has two votes in the AP poll.
Series Recap
Louisville and Rutgers have met on 12 occasions, with Rutgers holding a 7-5 series lead. The series began in 1976 and Rutgers won the first four meetings between the two schools. Since then, Louisville has won five of the past seven meetings and currently is on a three-game winning streak, all under head coach Charlie Strong. These two teams have met every year since 2005.
Last year, the Cardinals were able to pull off a 20-17 victory in Piscataway, giving them a chance to play in the BCS Sugar Bowl. Teddy Bridgewater played with a broken wrist and a high ankle sprain, but still threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
Filling a Void
Head coach Kyle Flood took over for Greg Schiano before the 2012 football season. Schiano turned the Rutgers football around, giving the program its first top 25 ranking since 1976.
Flood led Rutgers to a 9-4 record last season and an appearance in the Russell Athletic Bowl against Virginia Tech. He has been at Rutgers since 2005, serving as an assistant head coach since 2008.
Offense
Three-year starting quarterback Gary Nova leads the Scarlet Knights on offense. He currently has 1171 yards through the air with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Rutgers, who will be without its leading rusher Paul James, will utilize freshmen Justin Goodwin and Savon Huggins. The duo will split carries in his absence, as they did last game against SMU. They totaled 191 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.
Leonte Carroo, Rutgers' leading receiver, has 14 catches this season for 291 yards, with seven touchdowns. Nova's other target, Brandon Coleman, has 15 receptions - two of which results in scores - and 220 yards. Tight end Tyler Kroft also has played a part in the passing game, hauling in over 200 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns.
As an offense, Rutgers ranges from 22-60 nationally in multiple offensive categories.
| Average | National Rank | |
| Points Per Game: | 40.0 | 22 |
| Total Offense: | 422.8 | 56 |
| Passing Offense: | 243.2 | 59 |
| Rushing Offense: | 179.6 | 60 |
Defense
Up front, Darius Hamilton and Marcus Thompson will anchor the defensive line. Hamilton has 21 tackles, including four for loss. Thompson, who has a team-high 3.5 sacks, has 26 tackles on the year.
Linebackers Steve Longa and Kevin Snyder are the team's two leading tacklers, combining for nearly 90 stops. Longa has 50 tackles, four behind the line of scrimmage, and two fumble recoveries. Snyder, who also has four stops for a loss, has 37 tackles.
Defensive backs Lorenzo Waters and Lew Toler will look to slow down Heisman Candidate Teddy Bridgewater. Waters has one interception, and Toler is tied for the team lead in pass breakups with four.
As a defense, Rutgers ranges from 3-116 nationally in multiple defensive categories.
| Average | Rank | |
| Points Allowed Per Game: | 27.6 | 72 |
| Total Defense: | 376.8 | 51 |
| Passing Defense: | 306.2 | 116 |
| Rushing Defense: | 70.6 | 3 |
Special Teams
Rutgers ranks third in the nation in kickoff returns, which has been an issue for Louisville this year. Janarion Grant and Quron Pratt both have a kick return touchdown on the year. The two average 40.63 yards per return. Grant will also return the punts for Rutgers. He has a punt return touchdown and averages over 10 yards a return.
Kyle Federico has made four of his eight field goals and has a long of 48 yards.
Nick Marsh, the team's punter, is averaging 39.9 yards a punt with 14 landing inside the 20. Marsh will also handle the kickoff duties. He has recorded eight touchbacks, with teams averaging a start on their 22-yard line.
