Rutgers vs. North Carolina: 5 Things You Need To Know For The Quick Lane Bowl

By Matt Johnson

Rutgers vs. North Carolina: 5 Things You Need To Know For The Quick Lane Bowl

Ford Field — Both the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and North Carolina Tar Heels have experienced their fair share of ups and downs during the 2014 campaign. Nevertheless, the two teams will head to Detroit hoping to end the season on a high note when they face off in the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. Here are five things fans should know ahead of their meeting in the Motor City.

5. Both teams struggle defensively

North Carolina Tarheels

5. Both teams struggle defensively

North Carolina Tarheels — Neither outfit has enjoyed a stellar season defensively as Rutgers and North Carolina average giving up 439.5 and 495.7 yards per game respectively. Expect plenty of yardage and points when the Scarlet Knights and Tar Heels meet up the day after Christmas in Detroit.

4. Neither team has a dominant running game

Rutgers fans

4. Neither team has a dominant running game

Rutgers fans — Both Rutgers and North Carolina rely heavily on their passing games to generate offense. As a result, neither squad had a 1,000-yard rusher during the regular season. The chance for a big ground game will be there however, since both defenses give up more than 200 yards on the ground per outing.

3. Gary Nova and Leonte Carroo are a potent duo in the passing game

Leonte Carroo

3. Gary Nova and Leonte Carroo are a potent duo in the passing game

Leonte Carroo — Rutgers has one of the NCAA’s better passing duos as the pair hooked up for 53 catches, 1,043 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season. North Carolina surrenders more than 260 yards per game through the air, so Nova and Carroo figure to have a big game against the Tar Heels’ secondary.

2. Marquise Williams does it all for North Carolina

Marquise Williams

2. Marquise Williams does it all for North Carolina

Marquise Williams — The junior quarterback is a threat both through the air and on the ground for the Tar Heels. Williams accounted for 32 total touchdowns and more than 300 yards of total offense per game during 2014. He figures to have a big game both running and throwing the football against Rutgers' defense.

1. Rutgers is making its fourth straight appearance in a bowl game

Kyle Flood

1. Rutgers is making its fourth straight appearance in a bowl game

Kyle Flood — While the Scarlet Knights experienced some struggles in their first season in the Big 10, Rutgers will be making its fourth straight appearance in a bowl game in 2014. Coach Kyle Flood hopes his team can end a two-game bowl losing streak against the Tar Heels in Detroit.

Teams in this article »

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

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North Carolina Tar Heels

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