SMU’s Defensive Line vs. Rutgers’ Offensive Line

The SMU defensive front has been inconsistent this year and Rutgers’ offensive line is coming off a game against Arkansas in which the team rushed for just 21 yards after starter Paul James went down with an injury.

Arkansas also sacked Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova five times and had five stops behind the line of scrimmage. It’ll be up to the SMU defensive front to get pressure early and often, but watch for Rutgers to look good after having a bye week to work out kinks.

SMU’s Receivers vs. Rutgers’ Secondary

SMU has had a 100-yard game from three of their starting receivers on the year and multiple from Jeremy Johnson and Darius Joseph. Rutgers’ secondary is extremely young and inexperienced at corner, with two true first-years expected to start.

Rutgers gave up 456 yards passing to Fresno State’s Derek Carr during their week one overtime loss. SMU quarterback Garrett Gilbert isn’t Carr, but if given time, he could produce against the Rutgers secondary.

Rutgers vs. Louisville

This match up will not take place on the field Saturday. Rutgers has a huge game against No. 7 Louisville, the favorite to be AAC champion, just five days after the Scarlet Knights take on SMU.

The Rutgers players cannot take SMU lightly or else there’s a chance SMU could come out and surprise Rutgers.

SMU on the other hand, will have to take advantage of this if given the opportunities. It is unlikely that either team will come out very explosive, but Rutgers could see the effects of their big game ahead weighing on their minds.

Louisville is a huge opponent and one that will concern Rutgers far more than SMU. Rutgers could come out flat, but SMU must take advantage if they do.