2021 Preview of the Rutgers football game # 2 in Syracuse

How to watch, stream and listen

Rutgers in Syracuse

Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY

Kick off: Saturday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. ET

Weather (Dome): 79 degrees, partly cloudy and 5% chance of precipitation, 10-15 mph to win

TV: ACC network with Mike Couzens (play-by-play), Dustin Fox (color), Dana Boyle (sideways)

DirecTV: 612 (SD and HD), DISH Network: 402 (SD and HD), new visions (Syracuse Regional Cable Provider): 80 (SD) and 780 (HD), Optimal: 248 (SD & HD) available as part of Optimal Sports Package and Optimal College Sports Package, Spectrum: 388 (SD and HD), Verizon Fios: 71 (SD) and 571 (HD)

Stream: Scarlet Knights app

Radio: Radio: RWJBarnabas Health Rutgers Sports Network (WCTC 14-50-AM, WOR 710-AM, XM 389) with Chris Carlin (play-by-play), Julian Pinnix-Odrick (analyst) and Anthony Fucill (side limit); WRSU 88.7 FM – Chris Tsakonas and Dylan Allen

Current distribution: Rutgers -1.5

Series history: Syracuse lead, 30-12-1; The last meeting was in 2012, when Rutgers won 23-15

Syracuse SB Nation Site: The magician of Nunes

Statistical leaders

Rutgers

Passing: Noah Vedral – 15 to 27, 55.6%, 138 yards, 1 goal, 0 abductions

Hurry: Noah Vedral – 71 yards on 9 carriers, 7.9 ypc, contacts

Reception: Bo Melton – 6 catches at 59 yards, 9.8 ypc, 1 touch

Defense: Olakunle Fatukasi – 7 pieces and 3 sacks, Max Melton and Tre Avery – 1 abduction

Syracuse

Passing: Tommy DeVito – 11-17, 64.7%, 92 yards, 0 goals, 0 abductions

Hurry: Sean Tucker – 181 yards with 25 carriages, 7.2 ypc, 1 touch

Reception: Anthony Queeley – 3 catches for 39 yards, 13.0 ypc, 0 touchdowns

Defense: Mikel Jones – 10 battles, Duce Chestnut – 1 abduction

What to watch

When Rutgers has the ball

Rutgers generated five turnovers, forced security and got six games in Week 1 against the Temple. This led to 61 points and an exciting win to start the season. Against Syracuse, the Scarlet Knights have to fight a little more, especially on the road.

A busy attack on both sides will be key for both sides. Let’s start with Rutgers ’attack on the Orange Defense. This is an improved front for Syracuse and they gave 134 yards to the ground in Ohio in week 1. This could have been due to the Bobcats playing from behind, but the orange defense has continued to improve.

They are a good team, they got a lot of points, Syracuse head coach Dino Babers said at a press conference on Monday. They scored a goal and moved on [Temple] in the second quarter really close to Half and then they continued it in the third quarter. When they got them, they took them away. When they got them on the ropes, they took them away. So this is an explosive crew.

Their skill is really good; really, really fast. They can do things. They are initial returners or pound returners, this is a very skilled unit. If they come out of us, they will be hard to get. They’ll probably get it all, so we really have to go beyond ts and score that we’re in this situation.

This is the key to the Scarlet Knights. Can they continue to be aggressive? Isaih Pacheco needs to be more involved. He finished with just 35 yards and a touchdown against the owls. If Pacheco is more involved, the crime could take another step forward. Noah Vedral ran well in week 1 and Bo Melton is as explosive as ever. This game is a great test of attack and it starts on the field.

When Syracuse has the ball

Greg Schiano had a lot to say about the orange attack Monday’s press conference.

They have a very complex running game. Its a triple alternative to football under another name, Schiano said. They read it, they throw it. DeVito can hit you with your arms and legs. He expands the plays, which they do to read the zone and then carry it all out and then throw it at the receiver, so you have to take everything into account. It is not a traditional triple option of wise bone, but it has all its elements. They perform RPOs. They will do anything that can challenge you in defense. Not just in quarterback math, but the ball spreads and makes you cover 53 1/3.

Syracuse rushed 283 yards and got 6.4 yards per stump. They had seven players carrying the ball, led by Sean Tucker, 181 yards. Tommy DeVito didn’t put the ball in the air much, but this isn’t a one-dimensional offense.

The Scarlet Knights are strong up front and they can generate revenue. Both must be present at the Domes on Saturday. Orange wants to show many moving parts and get the defense mixed up a bit. The Scarlet Knights have struggled with running defenders and DeVito can move. He scored 49 yards and scored seven positions in week 1. This is a match that keeps an eye on heading to Saturday afternoon.

Could Rutgers win this game?

Rutgers are a favorite, so they can definitely win this game. Going to the temple, it felt like they might be able to compete a little. That was clearly wrong. It is time to double that perception with Syracuse. Orange opening, fans are back in the building, two 1-0 teams competing match there are many factors that can make this game difficult for the Scarlet Knights.

Final thoughts

Despite the difficult factors, the Scarlet Knights have to get out of this game believing they can win and the fans have to be confident. If this team finds a way to six wins, they have to get this.

Is Syracuse as bad as its 1-10 record for 2020? No. There were a lot of local calls and games that could have been different. Thus, the records speak for themselves. Schiano takes the lead over Babers in the head coach battle. On paper, Rutgers is a better team.

All of this means nothing if the Scarlet Knights are not performing on the field. Saturday at 2pm shows a lot about how Rutgers will be this season.