Minnesota vs Rutgers Prediction College Football Picks 11/9/24

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 4-4 (1-4) this year after they lost to USC by a score of 42-20 in their last game. Rutgers allowed 28 points in the first half but did cut the deficit to 28-20 in the third quarter before USC pulled away in the loss. The Scarlet Knights were outgained by a total of 443-434, tied the turnover battle at zero, and went 11-22 on third down in the game. Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 313 yards and one touchdown, while Kyle Monangai rushed for 86 yards on 18 carries. 

Prior to that loss, the Scarlet Knights lost three games in a row against UCLA, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. The Rutgers offense has scored 25.8 points per game with 206.3 passing yards and 181.6 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 24.8 points per game this season. Athan Kaliakmanis has completed 54.1% of his passes for 1,650 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Kyle Monangai has rushed for 931 yards and 10 scores. 

Why Rutgers will cover

• Minnesota has lost three of its last four November games as a favorite.
• Rutgers has won nine of its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked teams at SHI Stadium.
• Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.

Why Minnesota will cover

• Rutgers has lost each of its last 13 November games at SHI Stadium.
• Minnesota has won each of its last four games against conference opponents.
• Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six home games in November.
• Minnesota has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Rutgers' last seven November games at SHI Stadium has gone OVER the total points line.
• Three of Minnesota's last four games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Rutgers ranks 107th among FBS teams for H1 points per game this season (11.3).
• Rutgers ranks 28th among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (76.0).
• Minnesota ranks 9th among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (290.6).
• Minnesota ranks T11th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (2.3).

Minnesota vs Rutgers Prediction 

These two teams come into this matchup trending in different directions, but Rutgers will try to bounce back with a much-needed win here. The Scarlet Knights have lost four games in a row and they have allowed 42, 35, and 42 points in those three games. Minnesota has won four games in a row and their defense has allowed 17 points in three of those victories. I know the Rutgers defense is really struggling right now, but Minnesota plays a very slow pace and a “boring” brand of football, so give me the under here.