Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene (20) leads a Rutgers defense that is tops in the country against the run. (US Presswire)

Connecticut (3-2, 0-0 Big East) at No. 22 Rutgers (4-0, 1-0 Big East)

Kickoff: Saturday, noon ET (ESPNU)

Spread: Rutgers by 7.5

Watchability: Rutgers can't afford any slip-ups against the bottom half of the conference, especially at home. Connecticut will be opening its conference season in Piscataway. It could end up a battle of two strong defenses, so if that's your thing, then this is a good one to catch.

Shining stars: Connecticut: RB Lyle McCombs. The sophomore workhorse hasn't seen a defense of Rutgers' caliber yet this season. It's imperative that he gets going if the Huskies are to have any chance at the upset. McCombs had a solid game last year against the Scarlet Knights -- 20 carries, 95 yards, and two scores -- and UConn blew out the Scarlet Knights, 40-22. He'll need a repeat performance and a lot of help this year to keep it close, though. Rutgers: LB Khaseem Greene. One of the nation's best tacklers, Greene leads a defense that is best against the run in the country. His main goal will be shutting out the aforementioned McCombs and forcing the Huskies to win through the air. Something they probably cannot do.

Who could steal the show: Connecticut: Its defense. Like Rutgers, Connecticut boasts a dominant defense that is stingy against the run. Linebackers Sio Moore and Yawin Smallwood are two of the Big East's best, defensive end Trevardo Williams has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Rutgers' defense may get all the publicity leading up to this game, but UConn's unit is every bit as good. Rutgers: RB Jawan Jamison. At the beginning of the season there was some uncertainty at running back, as Jamison and Savon Huggins were poised to carry the load by committee. Huggins went down with an injury, though, and Jamison showed that he could shoulder the burden on his own. Huggins is back now, but Jamison will likely get the bulk of the carries.

You going? Ranking the road trip: It's only the second game of the season in Piscataway for Rutgers, and the first was a laugher against Howard. Scarlet Knight fans should be itching for some football, especially with their team coming off consecutive road victories over South Florida and Arkansas.

Magic number for Connecticut: 6. Quarterback Chandler Whitmer has thrown six interceptions against just four touchdowns this season. Rutgers, boasting the best rushing defense in the nation, will force Whitmer to beat them. He'll need to be careful with the football.

Magic number for Rutgers: 2. On the flip side, Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova has only thrown a pair of interceptions against nine touchdowns. With Connecticut sixth best at stuffing the run in the country, the Scarlet Knights will have to go to the air, as well. 

The game comes down to: Ball control. It can't be stressed enough how dominant both defensive units are. This will likely be a game of field position, and since UConn has a tendency to turn the ball over -- the Huskies are 95th in the country in turnover margin -- Rutgers holds the edge.

Prediction: Rutgers 20, Connecticut 10

For more up-to-the minute news and analysis on the Big East, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.