104 south Florida -8
Opened at -9.5, now at -8. I imagine that is the best number we will see. Really this is a tough number to lay with USF being on the short week after a long trip to Reno, probably why it has come down with money on the underdog. Also reported today that USF lost one its receivers for the year; USF is young at the receiver position. Against Nevada however the WR's did seem to be fast and athletic and the QB seems to be making good decisions so far. USF was plagued with injuries at WR last year, so many of these younger players have seen significant action. Rutgers has not had any real test yet in Tulane and Howard and I am not sure they are as good as they were a year ago. Rutgers does have much of it's defensive core back but I just think this team is going to struggle to score points especially early in the year. Initially surprised to hear that QB Nova had beat out the more experienced QB Dodd? for the QB position, and really has not been impressive yet. Putting up 24 against Tulane and 26 against Howard was largely due to the Rutgers running game and Rutgers being able to just line up and pound the ball against small and really poor defenses. Tulane's defense was horrific last year and they could be worse this year. Rutgers is going to have to throw the ball much better in this game to keep it close. I do not see them having as much success being one dimensional against USF. Rutgers also dealing with it's share of injuries under first year coach Flood. It sounds as though they will have the services of their injured C, but will be down one offensive and defensive lineman. No doubt this is a tough spot for the home team, but I just see them as a more complete going against a team that may have some offensive troubles this year.
