PHILADELPHIA — As undefeated Rutgers drives toward next month’s presumed showdown at unbeaten Cincinnati, the Scarlet Knights know they can’t take their eyes off opponents such as Temple, which comes into Saturday’s game at Lincoln Financial Field (noon, SNY, WOR 710 AM) at 2-0 in the Big East and vying for first place.
“We have a mature group,” Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said. “They understand every week it’s very fragile what we have now. We’re undefeated in the conference, playing another undefeated team in the conference. One of these teams is going to emerge with some control over what’s going to happen.
“That’s precious, something you have to treat with reverence and respect. … It really takes just one game, and the urgency level in every game in college football … is so critical. Unfortunately for us, we had to live through that last year. Fortunately for us, this year it’s very fresh in our memories.’’
The memory of last year’s 40-22 upset loss at UConn in the regular season finale — a collapse that cost Rutgers a share of its first league crown — is not only still fresh in the Scarlet Knights’ minds but a driving force of their mantra to be 1-0 every week.
“For us, the motivation is winning a Big East championship,” Flood said. “For us, the motivation to do something at Rutgers that’s never been done in the history of our football program.”
“We haven’t done anything yet because we haven’t won a Big East championship, and that’s our ultimate goal,’’ said Jawan Jamison, who has 655 rushing yards. “That’s what we want, and Coach lets us know we haven’t done anything yet.’’
Temple (3-2, 2-0) was the closest rival of Rutgers (6-0, 3-0) before being booted from the Big East in 2004 and this will be their first meeting since the Owls rejoined the football league this season.
The Owls, led by running back Montrel Harris, run twice as often as they pass out of their power/spread hybrid. But Rutgers — No. 15 in the BCS rankings — has the only defense in the country ranked in the top three in fewest rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and yards allowed per carry. Something will have to give.
“If you get caught up on all the hype and start thinking that you’re better than you are, it gets difficult,’’ Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova said. “But if you just focus on things that got you to that point and stay with an even-keeled mindset, you’ll be all right.’’