Rutgers at Syracuse

Rutgers is in for a long season. The Scarlet Knights have really struggled, but that struggle is compounded by playing good teams. They have faced Louisville, Providence, Georgetown, S. Florida, North Carolina, Nebraska and Florida so far this season. Those seven games have produced an 0-7 record with a losing margin of 19 ppg. That losing margin has been 21.5 ppg on the road. The Scarlet Knights are shooting bad on the season at 38.7%, but in these seven games just 35.2%, and just 25.2% from three. They have defended reasonably well at 41.1%, but vs these seven solid teams, just 45.5%, and 40% from three. To make matters worse, they are getting beaten on the boards by over 7 per game. Defensively they are forcing just 11 turnovers. Syracuse is off of two straight losses, and you can bet they will be ready to take out those frustrations on an ill-equipped opponent. The Cuse shoots over 50% and this spread could be covered by halftime.