Rutgers Expecats to Challenge for B.E. Title

[cygnus34]

By Joe Starkey, Special to ESPN.com

Rutgers (7-0, 2-0) turned Pitt (6-2, 2-1) into rice pudding with a 20-10 victory at Heinz Field. The Scarlet Knights haven't been unbeaten this deep in a season in 30 years. They will go into their game next Sunday at Connecticut confident they can challenge West Virginia and/or Louisville for the Big East title.

Jason Bridge/US Presswire

Rice is piling up Heisman-like numbers for Rutgers.Sophomore tailback Ray Rice showed the country why he is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, carrying 39 times for a career-best 225 yards. Rice changed momentum with a 63-yard run in the fourth quarter -- setting up a touchdown -- after Pitt had sliced Rutgers' lead to 13-10.

"He's the real deal," said Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, whose team has yet to prove in Wannstedt's two years that it can stop competent rushing attacks.

The Rutgers defense, ranked second nationally coming in, stymied Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko, who was leading the country in passing efficiency. Palko was sacked five times, matching the number Pitt had allowed in its first seven games.

Rutgers will need better play from its quarterback, Mike Teel, if it's going to seriously challenge for the Big East title, but the Scarlet Knights are right where they want to be with six league games left, including a visit from Louisville on Nov. 9 and a trip to West Virginia to finish the regular season on Dec. 2.

No one should be shocked if that game is played with the conference title at stake.

[smazza]

if rutgers wins BE championship,how would that effect usf's bowl chances?

[Velcro]

it wouldn't... unless we beat WVU/Pitt/ and Lville.

Rutgers is assured a bowl.  So are all the other 3.  It would probably affect recruiting more than anything... since they seem to love Tampa.