Rutgers, Down Early cruises past Syracuse, 38-14
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Source http://www.nj.com by Alex Delanian
Saturday October 13, 2007, 4:05 PM
Chris Faytok/The Star-LedgerRutgers Jean Beljour #32 is hit after a reception by Syracuse defensive end Jameel McClain #52 and Syracuse safety Dowayne Davis during the second half of the game between the Rutgers and Syracuse at the Carrier Dome.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - After spotting Syracuse an early two-touchdown lead, Rutgers came roaring back behind strong rushing from Ray Rice, a steady effort from Mike Teel, a special teams touchdown and a big-play defense to record an easy 38-14 victory at the Carrier Dome.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak for Rutgers, which improved to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the Big East. More importantly, the Scarlet Knights appear to have regained the look they had last season, perhaps just in time for Thursday's showdown with No. 6 South Florida in Piscataway.
Rice ran for 196 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries; Teel went 20-for-29 for 310 yards and two scores; and Kenny Britt caught six passes for 176 yards and a score.
But for all the offense, it was special teams play that made the difference.
Chris Faytok/The Star-LedgerRutgers head coach Greg Schiano
winds up to pump his fist in the air after leading his team in singing the Alma
Mater after the game between the Rutgers and Syracuse at the Carrier Dome .
Rutgers put the game out of reach in the opening minutes of
the fourth quarter. Rice scored on a 2-yard run for a 31-14 lead, then - one
play after an interception - Teel found tight end Kevin Brock on a 32-yard
score for a 38-14 lead with 13:03 remaining.
Rutgers dug itself an early hole. Teel's first pass was
intercepted and returned 51 yards to the Rutgers 21 Three plays later, Andrew
Robinson found Mike Williams for a 16-yard score just two minutes into the
game.
On its next possession, Syracuse (1-6, 1-2) drove 84 yards
on seven plays, scoring on a 15-yard run from Curtis Brinkley for a 14-0 lead.
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