(AP photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

PISCATAWAY — Don't look now, but Rutgers' pass efficiency defense numbers are about 30 slots better this year than 2013's program-worst finish.

Part of it is conference culture — you wouldn't mistake the Big Ten for the gun-slinging AAC — but head coach Kyle Flood has a reason that's easier to quantify.

"I think having another birthday has helped the secondary," Flood said Tuesday. "I think that's always the case with a player. Guys like Anthony Cioffi, Nadir Barnwell, Delon Stephenson having another year in the system and being able to stay as healthy as you can. That year of experience and maturity helps them grow."

Rutgers' pass numbers are down across the board this season, when it has faced 100 fewer passes and surrendered 17 fewer touchdowns in the same span.

	Attempts	Completions	INTs	Pass yards	Touchdowns
2013	410	265	7	3,285	29
2014	306	178	7	2,260	12

Players say a simplified scheme and continuity in the back end have paid off. Eleven different players started in the secondary a year ago.

"You get a chemistry," corner Gareef Glashen said. "Guys are more comfortable with each other. We know what each other's going to do based on practice. It's just believing in the man next to you and behind you."

That same chemistry will be tested Saturday, when it's uncertain whether Barnwell, who has started six games, will play with an upper-body injury. 

That would leave Glashen, Cioffi and freshman Dre Boggs against future pro Connor Cook. Stephenson could slide down to the line of scrimmage if needed, Flood said.

Last year, Rutgers faced four NFL draft picks at quarterback, including Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr, who went in the first two rounds. 

By Saturday, it will have seen three QBs in the top 50 in passing efficiency in 2014. Starter Gary Nova ranks 19th nationally.