sportsjabber.net

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights expected better than 8 wins this season, but it was not to be. Three of their four losses were to the Big East leaders Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, but the blowout loss to Syracuse was a big disappointment for them. On the other hand, Central Florida turned it around after getting just 4 wins last season. Both teams have had its share of inconsistencies and its highs and lows.

In the four losses for each team, the common theme has been the disappearance of their respective running game. In its season opener on Labor Day, Rutgers’ defense got shredded for 564 yards. The Rutgers offense? Well, it was limited to 293 total yards and only 50 yards rushing. The rushing yards would go as follows in their other three losses: 38 yards against Pittsburgh, 26 yards against Syracuse and 65 yards against West Virginia.

As for Central Florida, there was that close win over FCS team Samford, 28-24. Here’s how Central Florida’s running game did in its losses: 15 yards against Southern Mississippi, 70 yards against East Carolina, 53 yards against Miami and 75 yards against Texas.

So it is safe to assume that the team that can have a better success running the football will have an advantage. Statistically, Central Florida brings in a rushing defense ranked fourth in the country, and Rutgers certainly need some help in the running game since it will feature a freshman QB Tom Savage, who was last in the Big East in completion rate at 52.3%.

On paper, it looks like advantage: Central Florida.