Northwestern vs. Rutgers Prediction
Big Ten rivals square off on Sunday afternoon when Northwestern visits Rutgers at 12:00 p.m. ET. With the Scarlet Knights listed as 6.5-point home favorites and the total sitting at 40.5, what’s the smart bet today at SHI Stadium?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
169 Northwestern Wildcats (+6.5) at 170 Rutgers Scarlet Knights (-6.5); o/u 40.5
12:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, September 3, 2023
SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
Northwestern vs. Rutgers Public Betting Information
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 64% of bets are on Rutgers. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Northwestern Wildcats Game Notes
Brendan Sullivan appeared to be working with the second-team offense in Saturday’s scrimmage, making Ben Bryant the leading candidate to start at quarterback for the regular season opener, Bradley Locker of InsideNU.com reports. Nothing is official as head coach David Braun has not announced a starter. It’s also possible both quarterbacks could play early in the season. However, Bryant was thought to have a lead on the starting job after transferring from Cincinnati.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Game Notes
Chris Long (undisclosed) was active during Rutgers’ practice Thursday, according to Bobby Deren of 247Sports.com. Long sat out spring with an undisclosed injury, but it appears to be of the past now. That is welcoming news for Rutgers, who witnessed him significantly increase his output during 2022. Long logged 15 receptions for 200 yards across 11 games he played that year.
Northwestern vs. Rutgers Betting Trends
Northwestern is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games
Northwestern is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Rutgers’s last 13 games at home
Rutgers is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Northwestern vs. Rutgers Betting Prediction
Give me Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights added some skill this offseason so the inefficient passing game from a year ago should get a bump. The defense should also be able to feast on a Northwestern offense that is undergoing a transition with Bryant – a Cincinnati transfer – under center. I thought about taking the under but with the number at just 40.5, I see more value in Rutgers’ spread.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 PREDICTION: RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS -6.5