Rutgers slips past Syracuse, improves to 6-0

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- When it comes to making game-changing plays against Syracuse, Rutgers linebacker Jamal Merrell might be at the top of the list over the past two seasons.

After blocking a field goal, an extra point and forcing a game-ending fumble in a double-overtime win a year ago, Merrell stuck it to the Orange again yesterday, blocking a field goal to set up a go-ahead 75-yard touchdown return by Duron Harmon early in the second half to lead No. 20 Rutgers to a 23-15 victory.

Khaseem Greene had 14 tackles, forced three fumbles, intercepted a pass and had 11/2 sacks as Rutgers went to 6-0 (3-0 Big East) for only the third time since 1976 and became bowl eligible for the seventh time in eight seasons.

Merrell might have lulled the Orange (2-4, 1-1) to sleep before blocking Ross Krautman's 32-yard attempt.

"The first [kick of the game] I heard them call my name out, 37, 37, 37," Merrell said. "They gave it away they were keying me. The second one I played it easy. The third one . . . I didn't hear 37 one time and I just shot it and they couldn't stay with me." The ball rolled toward the Syracuse bench where Harmon picked it up, got a convoy of blockers and scored to put the Scarlet Knights ahead 14-7.

Jawan Jamison scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Nova threw a 12-yard touchdown to Tyler Kroft and walk-on placekicker Nick Borgese had a 25-yard field goal filling in for the injured Kyle Federico for the Scarlet Knights.

Adonis Ameen-Moore scored on a 3-yard run and Ryan Nassib threw a late 40-yard touchdown pass to Christopher Clark and a 2-point conversion pass to Marcus Sales pass for Syracuse, which had four turnovers, untimely penalties and failures in Rutgers' territory.

Rutgers won despite being outgained 418-237 and having Jamison see his streak of 100-yard games rushing snapped at six. He finished with 64 yards on 28 carries.

With Syracuse headed to the ACC next season, this was the final conference game between the schools. -- AP