Saturday’s Big east games

Rutgers 34, Pittsburgh 10

PISCATAWAY, N.J.

Freshman Gary Nova threw two third-quarter touchdowns in his first start and Rutgers’ ball-hawking defense intercepted four passes with Logan Ryan returning his second of the game 45 yards for a touchdown. Nova hit Mark Harrison on a 6-yard TD pass after Rutgers’ third interception and connected with fullback Joe Martinek on a 60-yard screen pass as the Scarlet Knights (4-1, 2-0 Big East) handed Pittsburgh (3-3, 1-1) its third loss in four games.

No. 16 West Virginia 43, Connecticut 16.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

Geno Smith threw for 450 yards and four touchdowns and No. 16 West Virginia navigated through another slow start to beat Connecticut. West Virginia (5-1, 1-0) struggled to a 10-9 halftime lead before erupting for 23 points in a 7:35 span of the third quarter to take control. Connecticut (2-4, 0-1) was picked apart on defense for the second straight week and its offense was limited to 275 total yards.

North Carolina 14, Louisville 7

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.

Tailback Giovani Bernard and receiver Dwight Jones each had touchdowns, as North Carolina overcame a slow start to win against a Louisville team that played without its offensive coordinator. A Louisville team spokesman confirmed that Mike Sanford, who did not travel with the team, was still with the program. Quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson called plays during the game. The Tar Heels (5-1) earned their eighth straight victory over a non-conference opponent.

Syracuse 37, Tulane 34

NEW ORLEANS

Ross Krautman kicked a 21-yard field goal as the clock expired.

Syracuse (4-2) raced out to a 17-point lead in the first half, which Tulane (2-4) overcame to tie the score at 34-34 in the fourth quarter. A roughing-the-passer penalty on Tulane’s Dezman Moses prolonged Syracuse’s final offensive possession and the Orange’s offense did the rest, running out the clock and setting up the decisive points as it capped its perfect record against nonconference opponents. Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib completed 19 of 34 passes, including two touchdowns, and rushed for another score, helping thwart the Green Wave’s comeback attempt. Running back Antwon Bailey also carried a heavy load, gaining 111 yards.

Associated Press