The Rutgers Scarlet Knights lead UConn, 6-3, after one half in New Jersey. The Knights converted two first quarter field goals, but have squandered good field position so far.
After getting points from two UConn turnovers, the Rutgers offense appeared to gather some momentum on their first possession of the second quarter. The Scarlet Knights pounded the ball on the ground with Jawan Jamison, who went off the left tackle for a big 20-yard pickup on the second play of the drive. The rush moved the ball into UConn territory, but the drive stalled out after three straight Gary Nova incompletions. Rutgers set up for their third field goal of the first half, but UConn burst through the center of the line and a 50-yard attempt by Kyle Federico was easily blocked.
UConn took over after the blocked field goal attempt and quickly moved the ball into the red zone. The Huskies rushed it on seven straight plays with either Lyle McCombs or Scott McCummings. On third and goal from the Rutgers two, they opted to go playaction and float a pass to the right side of the end zone. But Martin Hyppolite was ruled out of bounds, and UConn settled for a field goal to cut the lead in half.
Rutgers gave UConn another opportunity after Justin Doerner shanked a punt that went just 12 yards in the final minute of the half. The Huskies picked up a quick 22 yards when Chandler Whitmer connected with a sliding Geremy Davis in the middle of the field. A last second 51-yard field goal, however, sailed just right and Rutgers held on to the lead heading into the locker room.