Linebackers

Middle linebacker Derrell Smith is out for the year with a torn meniscus, meaning linebackers Doug Hogue and E.J. Carter will have to step their games up. Smith, a legitimate candidate for All-Big East First Team honors, was having a fantastic season anchoring Syracuse’s defense. He currently leads the Big East in solo tackles (61) and forced fumbles (four), to go along with his 6.5 sacks. His absence will certainly hurt the Orange defense.

ADVANTAGE: Rutgers

Special teams

Syracuse’s special teams unit struggled with Mike Jones. Without him, the Orange could be in trouble. Jones was a spark in the kick return game, consistently giving SU solid field position. With the way the offense has played of late, it needs all the help it can get. Syracuse has also struggled all season in its punt and kick coverage and needs to bounce back from its botched extra point last week against Louisville.

ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS

Coaching

Rutgers was patient and Greg Schiano was confident he would eventually turn the program around. He’s now in his ninth season, and he has done just that. The Scarlet Knights are one of the Big East’s best teams every year, despite the reputation of a bottom-dweller. Syracuse is hoping Doug Marrone’s career models that of Schiano.

ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS

Offensive line

Rutgers is rushing for nearly 30 more yards per game, and is scoring more points per game, than Syracuse. Paulus still faced plenty of pressure last week against Louisville, but he also holds onto the ball too much. The offensive line has opened better holes for Delone Carter, but that consistency has not been there all year.

ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS

Defensive line

Syracuse’s defensive line has been a key why Syracuse has one of the best rush defenses in the entire country. Even without Art Jones last week, the Orange kept Louisville from getting anything going on the ground. Bud Tribbey and Anthony Perkins filled for Jones, seamlessly.

ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE

Quarterbacks

Give Greg Paulus credit. He is on pace to set the school completion percentage mark. Unfortunately, that’s a product of an ultra-safe passing game with 14 picks sprinkled in. On the other side, Rutgers’ future appears to be in good hands. Freshman Tom Savage has five touchdowns and only one pick in Rutgers’ back-to-back wins against UConn and South Florida. Neither is overwhelming. But Savage gets the edge with only two interceptions all season.

Advantage: Rutgers

Running Backs

Joe Martinek beat up a ruthless South Florida defense last week for 128 yards and a touchdown. Rutgers feeds him early and often. Without Art Jones and Derrell Smith around, look for the Scarlet Knights to run right at SU. But Delone Carter has been unstoppable of late, even with defenses crowding the box. Playing rejuvenated, look for Carter to get at least 25 carries.

Advantage: Syracuse

Wide Receivers

No wide receiver on Syracuse’s team has at least 20 receptions. Marcus Sales’ game-clinching drop and pick symbolized the state of the Syracuse receivers. There simply are not playmakers in this unit. Rutgers? It begins and ends with Tim Brown. No, not the former Oakland Raider. The 5-foot-8 speedster is averaging a whopping 21.5 yards per catch this season. Look out.

Advantage: Rutgers

Published on November 24, 2009 at 12:00 pm