Colleges

USF-Rutgers scouting report

By GREG AUMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 18, 2007

No. 2 USF (6-0) vs. Rutgers (4-2), 7:30

Stopping Rutgers starts with containing running back Ray Rice, who has rushed for 360 yards in his past two games against USF. Just as impressive has been quarterback Mike Teel, ranked fifth nationally in pass efficiency, ahead of Louisville's Brian Brohm. Rutgers will have to keep defensive end George Selvie from piling up sacks - he leads the nation with 12.5 through six games, on pace to break Elvis Dumervil's Big East record of 20. After six games, quarterback Matt Grothe is USF's leading rusher, with back-to-back 100-yard games to move ahead of starter Ben Williams and freshman standout Mike Ford. Grothe's averaging 13 carries per game, but he's consistently scrambled for first downs when teams drop back in pass coverage. The last time they went to Rutgers, USF put up 45 points, the most it had scored in a game until last week's 64-point outburst against Central Florida. Former USF linebacker Patrick St. Louis, now a graduate assistant, will introduce the Bulls' lineups for ESPN's broadcast. USF cornerbacks coach Rich Rachel was defensive coordinator at Rutgers from 1990-95.

[Last modified October 17, 2007, 17:51:14]