Northwestern vs Rutgers 10/16/21 College Football Picks, Odds, Predictions
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-3) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (2-3)
October 16, 2021 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Northwestern Wildcats PK / Rutgers Scarlet Knights PK; Over/Under: 47
(Get latest betting odds)
The Northwestern Wildcats meet the Rutgers Scarlet Knights week 7 college football action at Ryan Field in Evanston on Saturday. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights need a win here to snap a three-game losing streak. The Northwestern Wildcats need a win here to get back to a .500 record.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have won four of their last six road games. Noah Vedral is completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 1,122 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. Bo Melton and Aron Cruickshank have combined for 497 receiving yards and four touchdowns while Shameen Jones has 18 receptions. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights ground game is averaging 141.8 yards per contest, and Isaih Pacheco leads the way with 314 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Rutgers is allowing 22.8 points and 366.8 yards per game. Olakunle Fatukasi leads the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with 52 tackles, Julius Turner has 2.5 sacks and Max Melton has two interceptions.
The Northwestern Wildcats have won six of their last seven home games. Hunter Johnson is completing 60 percent of his passes for 424 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. Stephon Robinson Jr. and Bryce Kirtz have combined for 512 receiving yards and two touchdowns while Malik Washington has 13 receptions. The Northwestern Wildcats ground game is averaging 178.6 yards per contest, and Evan Hull leads the way with 509 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Northwestern is allowing 27.2 points and 451.6 yards per game. Chris Bergin leads the Northwestern Wildcats with 53 tackles, Jeremy Meiser has three sacks and Adetomiwa Adebawore has one interception.
The Scarlet Knights are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road games and 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games in October. The Wildcats are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The under is 13-5 in Scarlet Knights last 18 road games. The under is 50-19-1 in Wildcats last 70 home games.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are more talented than they’ve been in the past, and they’ve had a tough schedule, but the lack of finishing drives on offense is starting to become a trend. The Northwestern Wildcats have their issues as well, which includes being ranked 109th in scoring offense, but they’re a well coached team that’s been tough to beat at home over the years. Rutgers may be the more talented team here, but I give the slight edge to Northwestern at home in this pick em.
