In this article we will formulate a Minnesota vs Rutgers prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 27th at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 5 matchup.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 2-1 (0-0) this season after they lost to Cal by a score of 27-14 in their last game. Minnesota trailed 10-7 at halftime, but they took a 14-10 lead in the third quarter, before allowing the last 17 points for the loss. The Golden Gophers were out gained by a total of 340-335, went 7-15 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a margin of 2-0 in the game. Drake Lindsey went 19-32 for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Fame Ijeboi had 16 carries for 85 yards. Le’Meke Brockington led the Minnesota receivers with eight catches for 106 yards in the game. The Minnesota defense recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss in the defeat.
Minnesota opened the season with a 23-10 win over Buffalo and a 66-0 win over Northwestern State. The Golden Gophers are averaging 34.3 points per game with 240.3 passing yards and 180.3 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 12.3 points against per game this season. Drake Lindsey has completed 60.5% of his passes for 634 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Javon Tracy has caught six passes for 150 yards and one score. Darius Taylor (questionable) has led the ground game with 33 carries for 161 yards this season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 3-1 (0-1) this year after they lost to Iowa by a score of 38-28 last week. Rutgers was tied at 14 at halftime and they led 28-24 in the fourth quarter, but allowed the last two touchdowns for the loss. The Scarlet Knights out gained Iowa by a total of 400-346, went 6-13 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a margin of 1-0 in the game. Athan Kaliakmanis went 24-40 for 330 yards and one interception, while Antwan Raymond rushed 18 times for 62 yards and two scores. Ian Strong led the Rutgers receivers with eight catches for 151 yards in the game. The Rutgers defense recorded two sacks and three tackles for loss in the defeat.
Rutgers started the season with three wins over Ohio, Miami (OH), and Norfolk State. The Scarlet Knights are averaging 41.8 points per game with 304.8 passing yards and 141.0 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 24.0 points against per game this season. Athan Kaliakmanis has completed 68.8% of his passes for 1,150 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception, while Ian Strong has caught 24 passes for 367 yards and two scores. Antwan Raymond has led the rushing attack with 61 carries for 310 yards and seven touchdowns this year.
Why Rutgers will beat Minnesota
- Rutgers has won nine of its last 10 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Minnesota has lost three of its last four games in September.
- Rutgers has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rutgers has won the first half in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Rutgers’ last seven games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of Minnesota’s last five home games in September have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Minnesota ranks 1st among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (177.7).
- Minnesota ranks 1st among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (41.3).
- Rutgers has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (1).
- Rutgers has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (1).
Minnesota vs Rutgers Prediction
Rutgers played decently well last week against Iowa, but they couldn’t finish and ended up with the loss. The Scarlet Knights have allowed 28+ points in two of their first four games and this will be their first road game of the season. Minnesota played very poorly against California last time out, but they did have a bye week to try and put that loss behind them. I think Rutgers has the better offense in this game and while Minnesota has the better defensive unit, I can’t trust their offense to score. Take Rutgers and the points.
David Racey is 18-9 (67%) in his last 27 College Football plays this season and is #1 on the leaderboard. Click here for his premium plays for this week!