With the Big East conference title on the line, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights lead the Louisville Cardinals, 14-3, at halftime of the game that will likely turn into a BCS berth for the winner.

Rutgers drew first blood early in the opening frame when quarterback Gary Nova hit wide receiver Brandon Coleman for an 85-yard touchdown strike on what was the first play of their drive.

The Cardinals got on the board after John Wallace knocked in a 20-yard field goal, capping an 11-play, 61-yard drive that stalled out inside the 10-yard line, making the score 7-3 at the time.

The Scarlet Knights, though, once again struck quickly on a long scoring play, when Nova connected with wide receiver Mark Harrison for a 68-yard touchdown on the second play of the drive, pushing Rutgers' lead to 14-3, just over a minute after Louisville kicked its field goal.

For the half, Nova completed 6-of-9 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns.