North Carolina at Rutgers

Rutgers has found that life after Ray Rice is going to be difficult. Last week they were held to less than 10 points in a game for just the second time in 29 games. Mike Teel moved the team between the 20s, but Rutgers had problems all game long getting into the end-zone. They were only able to generate just 3.1 yards per carry and that put a lot of pressure on Teel, who ultimately made two key mistakes, both ending in interceptions. The Rutgers defense also showed some shortcomings as they allowed 5.3 yards per carry and 422 yards in total. The Tar Heels had to come from behind to win against McNeese State and it took a tremendous effort by Brandon Tate to do it. Tate will be the most explosive man on the field for this one, as he netted 397 all-purpose yards last week. He returned a punt 82 yards for a TDand a kickoff 54 yards. He also carried the ball three times for over 100 yards, and caught a TD pass for 57 yards. Overall, this North Carolina team has 10 starters back from their offense last season. Rutgers really struggled on offense, and if Tate gets free for an easy one, it is going to be hard for the Scarlet Knights to get it back. Both of these teams should play better in their second game, but unless Rutgers finds some consistent yardage in the backfield, Carolina will be right there at the end. I like the points here.