Howard vs Rutgers Prediction College Football Picks 8/29/24

In this article, we will formulate a Howard vs Rutgers prediction for this College Football Week 1 game on Thursday, August 29th, at SHI Stadium.  Let’s take a look at a Howard Bison vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights pick. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Bison’s recent form and recent player performance 

-The Scarlet Knight’s recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Howard

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving  Rutgers

-Recent betting trends in games played between Howard and Rutgers

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Bison and Scarlet Knights. 

Can Howard Step Up

Howard last year finished with a 6-6 record, and for the most part the offense was quite impressive. In the game against North Carolina Central, Howard put up 50 points, and they ended up winning by 30 points. In the Cricket Celebration Bowl to end the season, Cricket ended up losing to Howard 30-26.

The starting quarterback from last year Quinton Thomas is gone, and now they have three quarterbacks that are to battle for the starting job. Ja’Shawn Scroggins, Jaylon Tolbert and transfer Zachary Yeager could all see playing time in this game. On defense, Howard is going to be led by Jamal Stewart, and he’s going to need to have a big game here.

 Why Howard Will Beat Rutgers

• Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three games at SHI Stadium.

Rutgers Can’t Slip Up

Rutgers feels this is the year they finally take the step forward, and that means they can’t slip up in this game. This Rutgers team has some big changes this season, including at quarterback. Athan Kaliakmanis has come over in the transfer portal, and they hope that he is the answer under center for this team. He was inconsistent with the Gophers, but he is good on the feet. If his throwing can improve, he can take this team to new heights.

Kalikamanis is going to have some playmakers to throw the ball to, including to Christian Dremel who caught 36 passes for 468 yards and three touchdowns. The running game is also loaded with depth. Kyle Monangai ran for 1,282 yards last year. 

Last season the Rutgers defense was ranked 16th in the nation, and the hope is that it will be as good, if not better this season. Malcolm Ray has come in from Florida State, and he should be an impact player right away. This is also a physical secondary. 

Why Rutgers Will Beat Howard

• Rutgers has won each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents at SHI Stadium.
• Rutgers has covered the spread in each of its last seven season openers.

Howard vs Rutgers Prediction

This total is too high. Rutgers defense is elite, and Howard is going to have some major issues getting any sort of offense going here. I don’t believe Kalikamanis is the answer for Rutgers either, and this isn’t going to be a team where Rutgers is going to be scoring 40 points. Howard’s defense is going to make life tough here, and this game is going to end up lower scoring. Back the under to cash here.