Connecticut-Rutgers Preview Capsule

Connecticut (3-2, 0-0 Big East) at No. 22 Rutgers (4-0, 1-0), noon (ESPNU)

Line: Rutgers by 10.

Series Record: Rutgers leads 21-10.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

With a victory in its first game as a ranked team since 2009, Rutgers would improve to 5-0 for the seventh time in 143 seasons of college football. Kyle Flood would become the second coach in school history to start 5-0. An upset by Connecticut would give it consecutive wins for the first time since winning five in a row at the end of the 2010 season, and two in a row over Scarlet Knights.

KEY MATCHUP

Rutgers running back Jawan Jamison against Connecticut's run defense, which is yielding an average of 74.2 yards, sixth best in the nation. Jamison has rushed for at least 100 yards in five straight games. His last non-100-yarder came in a loss to the Huskies late last season. The Huskies' offense (106th overall) has been anemic this season and it will be facing a Khaseem Greene-led Rutgers defense that ranks 20th nationally in total defense (310.0 yards per game), 10th in scoring defense (12.8 points per game), and first in rushing defense (62.5 yards per game).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Connecticut: LB Yawin Smallwood leads the conference in tackles per game (10.6 per game) and tackles-for-loss per game (2.0). He ranks in the top 15 nationally in both categories.

Rutgers: QB Gary Nova set career highs in passing yards (397), completions (25) and passing touchdowns (five) in win over Arkansas two weeks ago. WR Brandon Coleman has 11 career TD catches in 17 games, including eight of 30 yards or more.

FACTS & FIGURES

Six times since 2001, this matchup has been decided by seven points or less. Rutgers has won three of the last four games by four points or less and five of seven overall. Connecticut's 40-22 win last season deprived Rutgers of a share of the conference title. ..The Huskies have 12 New Jersey players on their roster. ...Rutgers hasn't won a game as a ranked team since 2007. ...The Scarlet Knights are looking for their second straight 2-0 start in the league. ...Rutgers was the only team in the nation to win three road games in September. ...Rutgers will debut its new black uniforms