CFN picks Rutgers - Now we are sure to Win!

[usf97]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/918408.html

[smazza]

will be a close game

[Buller64]

Why to watch: While most of the attention in the Big East centers on Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia, South Florida and Rutgers are also looking to improve their bowl destination. And with a 10-win season still within reach, finish the year ranked in the Top 25. The Bulls have regrouped from those damaging back-to-back losses last month, beating up the Mountaineers before the break. However, inconsistency is an issue that continues to follow the program, especially when playing in the Northeast and in the second half of seasons. The Scarlet Knights may have turned the corner in their last game, a stunning defeat of Connecticut in the final seconds. Seemingly headed to a tough loss, they delivered an 81-yard sucker punch down the middle of the field for their first quality win of the year. If that play win

ds up being a launching point, the program could take off in November. This will be the first of what might be four head-to-head battles between talented freshmen quarterbacks, Rutgers’ Tom Savage and South Florida’s B.J. Daniels.

Why South Florida might win: Rutgers has had problems with offensive consistency all season, averaging 24 points versus FBS opponents and ranking 87th in the nation in total yards. The line has allowed too many sacks and while Savage has a great future, he’s still just a rookie. A visit from a veteran, athletic Bull defense allowing 17 points a game won’t make things better in Piscataway. South Florida will pressure the pocket with a combination of George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul on the outside and Terrell McClain on the inside. If Savage is forced to throw under duress, he’ll make the kinds of mistakes that’ll turn Bull S Nate Allen and LB Kion Wilson into offensive players. Daniels is coming off the best game of his brief career, burning a quality West Virginia D for three touchdown passes and 104 yards rushing.

Why Rutgers might win: While it doesn’t get nearly as much credit, the Scarlet Knight defense has been every bit as good as the Bulls this fall. Fueled in the front seven by ends George Johnson, Alex Silvestro and Jonathan Freeny, and LB Ryan D’Imperio, Rutgers has the nation’s No.23 run defense and leads the country in turnover margin. With a Big East-best 25 takeaways, it’ll cause problems for an inexperienced Daniels, whose only start in cold weather was a disaster. The Knights may have trouble out running the Bulls, but it won’t have problems out muscling them on the ground. Look for 235-pound RB Joe Martinek to run right at the South Florida interior for at least 20 carries and 100 yards.

Who to watch: Rutgers WR Tim Brown hails from South Florida and plays in New Jersey. South Florida CB Jerome Murphy hails from New Jersey and plays in Tampa. The transplants, and two of the fastest players on the field, will go stride-for-stride all night long. Both players have NFL potential, which won’t be lost on the handful of scouts in attendance. Brown was the recipient of the 81-yard game-winner in East Hartford two weeks ago, and is averaging more than 20 yards a catch.

What will happen: Follow the field goal kickers. They’ll play a key factor in a close defensive struggle. Advantage Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights will also hold a significant home-field edge. While they’re built for crisp, blustery weather, South Florida is not. The Knights will force Daniels into costly mistakes and methodically pound away on offense with Martinek, holding on for a second straight significant Big East win.

CFN Prediction: Rutgers 23 … South Florida 17 ... Line: South Florida -1.5

Must See Rating: (The Legend of Jimmy the Greek 5 … 2012 1) … 3

-Free Expert Football Predictions

[SpikeBull]

Daniels, whose only start in cold weather was a disaster.

Does he mean the Pitt game which was a "disaster" long before the temperature started dropping? The temperature was actually quite pleasant early in the game.