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Rutgers looks to bounce back vs. Syracuse

Nov 22, 2006 - 12:37 AM Syracuse (4-7) at No. 15 Rutgers (9-1), 12:00 pm EST

PISCATAWAY, New Jersey (Ticker) - No. 15 Rutgers looks to conclude its first perfect home slate since 1984 when it hosts Big East Conference rival Syracuse on Saturday.

The Scarlet Knights (9-1, 4-1 Big East) have won all five of their home games, including a 28-25 triumph over then-No. 3 Louisville here November 9 in the biggest contest in school history.

Unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, they followed that triumph with a listless 30-11 setback at Cincinnati last week, spoiling a potential unbeaten season.

Mike Teel had an awful game at quarterback for Rutgers, throwing four interceptions, while Heisman Trophy candidate Ray Rice was limited to 54 rushing yards and a late touchdown.

Syracuse (4-7, 1-5) snapped a 12-game conference losing streak with a 20-14 triumph over Connecticut last weekend behind a pair of touchdowns by sophomore tailback Curtis Brinkley.

The Orange limited the Huskies to 70 rushing yards, recorded five sacks and intercepted three passes.

Syracuse is 12-3 against Rutgers in Big East competition. But the Scarlet Knights have won two of the last three meetings, including a 31-9 triumph last year.