Louisville's defense intercepted three Gary Nova passes, including one in the closing moments that clinched a 16-14 victory over visiting Rutgers on Friday night.

The Scarlet Knights (5-2, 2-1 Big East) came into the game leading the nation in turnover margin but did themselves in with critical mistakes. Nova was picked off on each of his team's first two possessions and then threw another to allow the Cardinals (3-4, 1-1) to secure the win with 1:41 to go.

Rutgers kicker San San Te compounded things by missing ield goal attempts from 31 and 25 yards in the second quarter, and a wide-open Mark Harrison dropped a sure touchdown pass that would have put the Scarlet Knights ahead with less than eight minutes remaining in the final period.

Louisville took control of the game in the third quarter on a 52-yard field goal by Chris Philpott and an 18-yard touchdown pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Michaelee Harris.

Jeremy Wright gained 108 yards on 11 carries for the Cardinals, who finished with 187 yards on the ground. Mohamed Sanu led Rutgers with 10 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown early in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to two.