College Football Preview - (2) South Florida Bulls at Rutgers Scarlet Knights 7:30 PM EST
The Bulls are currently between a 2 to 3-point favorite with a game total of 52.5 at the majority of online sportsbooks for tonight's Big East matchup.
The South Florida Bulls, undefeated at 6-0 and #2 in the country visit the 4-2 Rutgers Scarlet Knights for a key Big East Conference showdown on Thursday night.
 Rutgers had won its first three games of the season before losing two straight home games to Maryland and Cincinnati.
The Scarlet Knights bounced back with a 38-14 win at Syracuse last Saturday. Rutgers tailback Ray Rice rushed for 196 yards and three touchdowns. They overcame an early 14-0 deficit to win last week.
Rutgers must win this game to have any realistic shot at claiming the Big East crown and a BCS bowl berth.
South Florida took a break from Big East play to crush visiting Central Florida last weekend, 64-12.
The Bulls QB Matt Grothe threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another 100 and two scores, who moved up three spots in the polls after multiple teams above them lost, and are in the all-important No. 2 spot in the first BCS standings.
South Florida is averaging 35.2 ppg on offense, while giving up just 15.7 ppg on defense, recording 20 sacks and forcing 21 turnovers. That's impressive given the fact they've played some good offenses so far this year.
On offense, Rutgers is averaging 37.2 ppg (489.7 yds) which is 12th in the nation, while allowing 17.2 on the defensive side of the ball (13th in the country).
The last 12 times Rutgers played the role of 'home dog', they covered nine times. So far this season, South Florida gives up 23 points per game on the road opposed to just 12 at home and on offense they score 7 points fewer away from home.
Rutgers won at South Florida last year 22-20. At that time it was Rutgers' ninth consecutive win to start last season 9-0. The Bulls won 45-31 two years ago in Piscataway. Tonight will be the third all-time meeting between these clubs.
South Florida is 6-0 straight up and 4-1 against the spread. Rutgers is 4-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread so far this season.
More Trends
The Bulls are 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three road games, including wins at Auburn and West Virginia. 4-2 SU last 6 games on the road.
Rutgers is 11-2 SU in their last 13 games at home. Rutgers is 15-4 SU in their last 19 games overall.
Visit the college football betting forum to post your weekly picks or discuss Thursday's college football card.
-Tommy of Sportscapper Island |
