Option right

Knights fumble

Rutgers, with a chance to win a share of its first Big East title, committed six turnovers in a 40-22 loss to host Connecticut yesterday.

"It feels like I got punched in the stomach 50 times," Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said.

Running back Lyle McCombs and quarterback Scott McCummings each ran for two touchdowns for UConn (5-6, 3-3) and Nick Williams had 158 return yards.

Defensive tackle Kendall Reyes returned a Chas Dodd fumble for a touchdown.

Brandon Coleman had 223 receiving yards and two touchdowns for Rutgers (8-4, 4-3 Big East). Mohammad Sanu caught nine for 133 yards, extending his conference record to 109 receptions this season.

Orange stumbles

Isaiah Pead gained 246 all-purpose yards and scored twice, and Munchie Legaux threw for two touchdowns without committing a turnover as Cincinnati beat host Syracuse, 30-13.

It was the fourth straight loss for Syracuse (5-6, 1-5 Big East), which needs to win at Pittsburgh next week to become bowl eligible. Cincinnati (8-3, 4-2) remained alive for the Big East title.

35 points in 4th quarter

Mike Glennon threw for five touchdowns, ran for another score and helped North Carolina State come back from 27 points down in the second half to beat Maryland, 56-41. The Wolfpack (7-5, 4-4 ACC) outscored the Terps, 35-0, in the fourth quarter.-- AP