Today at noon, Carrier Dome.
TV: ESPN regional
Records: Rutgers, 3-2, 0-1 Big East Conference; Syracuse, 1-5, 1-1.
The buzz: Rutgers has plummeted from 10th to unranked in two weeks. The Scarlet Knights are trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak since dropping six straight - five to conclude 2004 and one to start 2005.
Last week: No. 21 Rutgers dropped out of the rankings after a 28-23 home loss to No. 20 Cincinnati.
Next week: Rutgers hosts No. 5 South Florida on Thursday night.
Scouting report: Sandwiched between ranked teams Cincinnati and South Florida, this looked like a trap game for Rutgers two weeks ago. Suddenly, it has become the biggest game of the season. Quarterback Mike Teel took the blame for last week's loss after throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble, but the defense has allowed 62 points in the last two games and 86 against the last three Division I-A foes. The Orangemen have allowed 37.5 points and 485 yards per game.
- Rich Fisher
Radio: WPEN-AM (950).
Records: Villanova, 4-2, 2-1 Colonial Athletic Association; UMass, 4-1, 2-0, ranked No. 4 in FCS (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) poll.
The buzz: True freshman Chris Whitney of Villanova makes his first collegiate start at quarterback against a blitz-happy Minutemen defense that ranks 20th in the nation in total yards allowed (305.2 per game).
Last week: The Wildcats scored a touchdown on each of their first five drives of the game and romped, 63-24, over William and Mary, but they lost sophomore quarterback Antwon Young for the season with a torn knee ligament.
Next week: Villanova has its only bye.
Scouting report: The Wildcats never have won in six tries at UMass during the Andy Talley era, and not having Young makes their task more difficult. Talley probably will emphasize short passing for the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Whitney, with tight end Matt Sherry (25 catches) a favorite target. Matt Dicken (367 rushing yards) will key Villanova's ground attack. Defensive end Greg Miller was the CAA defensive player of the week against William and Mary. The Minutemen, who are coming off a bye week, were national Division I-AA runners-up last year. They are led by quarterback Liam Coen (11 touchdown passes) and tailback Matt Lawrence (581 yards rushing).
- Joe Juliano
Today at 1:30 p.m., Wien Stadium, New York.Radio: WFIL-AM (560)
Records: Penn, 1-3, 0-1 Ivy League; Columbia, 1-3, 0-1.
