The Rutgers Scarlet Knights improved to 6-0 on Saturday afternoon, after defeating the Syracuse Orange, 23-15, in a Big East clash.
Syracuse vs. Rutgers final score: Scarlet Knights hang on, win 23-15
Rutgers improved to 6-0 on Saturday, after defeating the Syracuse Orange, 23-15, in a Big East battle.
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After headed into halftime tied at 7-7, Rutgers took over control of the game, scoring 16 unanswered points en route to the victory.
Syracuse was in position to take a 10-7 lead early in the third quarter, but Ross Krautman's 32-yard field goal was blocked and returned for a 75-yard touchdown by Duron Harmon, giving Rutgers a 14-7 lead.
After adding a field goal late in the third quarter, Rutgers took a 23-7 lead in the fourth quarter, when Gary Nova completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Kroft.
The Orange, however, did not go down without a fight.
Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Christopher Clark, drawing Syracuse closer to Rutgers. The Orange converted the two-point conversion, cutting Rutgers' lead to 23-15.
The Orange regained possession with 2:45 left in the fourth following a Rutgers punt, but Nassib was intercepted by Brandon Jones at Syracuse’s 23 yard line, ending any realistic chance of an Orange comeback.
Rutgers’ defense forced four turnovers, despite allowing 413 yards of total offense. Rutgers was held to just 237 yards of offense.
Box Score Hero: Brandon Coleman, Rutgers. Coleman finished with six receptions for 104 yards -- on a day when Rutgers only passed for 152 yards.
Rankings Ramifications: With the win, Rutgers ensures a stay in the top 25, but will not move up drastically in the rankings.
But Did They Cover? Rutgers entered the game as seven point favorites, and covered the spread with an eight point victory.
For More On This Game: For more on Scarlet Knights football, visit Rutgers blog On The Banks, plus Big East blog Big East Coast Bias and SB Nation New York. For more on Cuse football, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician, plus SB Nation New York. And Big East Coast Bias, for the time being.
Next Week's Schedule: Rutgers will head to Temple to take on the Owls next Saturday, while the Orange play host to the Connecticut Huskies next Friday night.
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