Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-0) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1)
October 5, 2024 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: Nebraska Cornhuskers -6.5 / Rutgers Scarlet Knights +6.5; Over/Under: +42.5
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In this article, we will formulate a Nebraska vs Rutgers prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 5th at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 6 matchup.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 4-1 (1-1) this year after they defeated Purdue by a score of 28-10 in their last game. Nebraska trailed 3-0 in the third quarter, but they scored the next 28 points to pull away for the win. The Cornhuskers outgained Purdue by a total of 419-224, won the turnover battle 1-0, and went 1-8 on third down in the game. Dylan Raiola threw for 257 yards and one touchdown, while Jacory Barney Jr. rushed for 66 yards and one score.
Nebraska also has wins against UTEP, Colorado, and Northern Iowa, but they did lose to Illinois in the game prior to Purdue. The Nebraska offense has scored 30.8 points per game with 261 passing yards and 144.6 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 12.2 points per game this season. The Cornhuskers have gone 45.8% on third down and 1-5 on fourth down through five games. Dylan Raiola has completed 70.4% of his passes for 1,225 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Dante Dowdell has rushed for 277 yards and four scores.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 4-0 (1-0) this season after they defeated Washington by a score of 21-18 in their last game. Rutgers led 21-10 in the fourth quarter, but barely hung on for the win at the end. The Scarlet Knights were outgained by a total of 521-299, tied the turnover battle at zero, and went 7-15 on third down in the game. Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 115 yards and one touchdown, while Kyle Monangai rushed for 132 yards and one score on 25 carries.
Rutgers also has wins over Howard, Akron, and Virginia Tech to open up the season. The Rutgers offense has scored 36.5 points per game with 190.3 passing yards and 237.8 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 16.3 points per game this season. The Scarlet Knights have gone 51% on third down and 1-5 on fourth down so far this season. Athan Kaliakmanis has completed 61.5% of his passes for 761 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception, while Kyle Monangai has rushed for 589 yards and six scores.
Why Rutgers will cover
- Rutgers has won each of its last five games.
- Nebraska has lost five of its last six games against conference opponents.
- Nebraska has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against conference opponents.
- Rutgers has covered the spread in four of its last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the last four games between Rutgers and Nebraska has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Rutgers’ last four games as an underdog against Nebraska has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Nebraska ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.6).
- Nebraska ranks T4th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (4.0).
- Rutgers ranks T5th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.8).
- Rutgers ranks 9th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (5.0).
Nebraska vs Rutgers Prediction
Nebraska comes into this matchup with the home-field advantage, but they played a sloppy game against Illinois two games ago and really struggled to score in the first three quarters against Purdue last week. Rutgers is coming off of two solid wins over Washington and Virginia Tech, and they have a very solid defensive unit. The Scarlet Knights don’t score a ton of points, but Monangai has to be one of the better running backs in the country. I like how Rutgers plays defense and slows the pace down, so give me the Scarlet Knights to keep this game within a touchdown.
