NO. 2 SOUTH FLORIDA (6-0) AT RUTGERS (4-2)

* Kickoff: Tonight, 4:30 PDT.

* TV: ESPN.

* Line: South Florida by 2.

* South Florida update: The Bulls continue to win over nonbelievers with a staunch defense that is giving up only 284.43 yards and 15.7 points per game. Defensive end George Selvie leads the nation with 11 1/2 sacks and the Bulls are fourth with 12 interceptions. Dual-threat quarterback Matt Grothe heads a steady yet unspectacular offense with 1,121 passing yards and 346 rushing yards.

* Rutgers update: The Scarlet Knights ended a two-game losing streak last week, but they haven’t been sharp so far, averaging 71.8 penalty yards a game. Still, they are No. 11 in the nation in total offense. Running back Ray Rice has 818 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. Mike Teel has passed for 1,817 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also has thrown six interceptions -- four in the two losses. Rutgers is 14th in the nation in total defense, giving up 296.83 yards per game.

* Story line: Last year’s Cinderella meets this year’s in a game with Big East Conference championship implications. A Rutgers loss would probably knock the Scarlet Knights out. A South Florida victory would put the Bulls in the driver’s seat.

* The pick: Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have more balance and depth on both sides of the ball. They should control the game if they limit mistakes.

- Peter Yoon