Syracuse Football: Three keys for the Orange to take down Rutgers

Syracuse Football Key Number One: Control the Football

If we learned anything from Rutgers’ dominating performance against Temple, it’s that Greg Schiano’s defense knows how to be in the right place at the right time.

The first score of the game was a Scarlet Knights safety of Temple quarterback D’Wan Mathis, who finished the game just 8-of-24 for 148 yards and an interception. The interception would also happen in the first quarter after a pass bounced off of a Temple receiver and into Tre Avery’s hands.

The sloppy play continued for the Owls, with the majority of the turnovers attributed to poor execution rather than the Rutgers defense making standout plays.

With that being said, Greg Schiano’s calling is and has always been defense. The former defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.) and Ohio State is now in his second stint with the Scarlet Knights and it’s no secret that defense is how he plans on rebuilding Rutgers football.

Syracuse football took care of the ball extra carefully against Ohio. Tommy DeVito didn’t exactly light it up with his arm, but 11-of-17 with zero interceptions will certainly frustrate an opposing defense. The Orange were especially impressive on the ground. In 43 carries, Syracuse football didn’t cough up the ball once.

Possession of the football will be the number one key for Syracuse football looking to improve to 2-0 on Saturday. It will limit Rutgers’ ability to start offensive possessions in good positions. The Scarlet Knights started with the ball in Temple territory five times. The Orange can’t afford to let that happen.