In this article we will formulate a Northwestern vs Rutgers prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 24th at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 8 matchup.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 5-1 (2-1) this season after they defeated Michigan State by a score of 24-21 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 14-10 at halftime and 21-13 in the fourth quarter, but they scored the last 11 points to get the win. The Wildcats out gained MSU by a total of 360-305, went 7-14 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Aidan Chiles threw for 226 yards, while Griffin Wilde caught six passes for 57 yards. Caleb Komolafe rushed 15 times for 67 yards and one score in the win.
Prior to that game, Northwestern defeated Ball State by a score of 45-14 and Penn State by a score of 34-13. The Wildcats have scored 33.5 points per game with 233.0 passing yards and 191.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 17.0 points against per game this season. Aidan Chiles has thrown for 1,398 yards with nine touchdowns and zero interceptions this season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 2-4 (1-2) this year after they defeated Maryland by a score of 37-30 in their last game. Rutgers trailed 23-13 at halftime, but they scored the first 24 points in the second half to get the win. The Scarlet Knights out gained Maryland by a total of 442-378, went 9-14 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Dylan Lonergan threw for 291 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while KJ Duff caught nine passes for 113 yards and two scores. Clay Thevenin rushed 17 times for 109 yards and one touchdown in the win.
Prior to that game, Rutgers lost to Indiana by a score of 47-15, but did defeat Howard by a score of 58-7 before that. The Scarlet Knights have scored 31.2 points per game with 265.8 passing yards and 137.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 31.8 points against per game this season. Dylan Lonergan has thrown for 1,066 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions this year.
Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win
- Northwestern has won each of its last 13 October games as a favorite.
- Rutgers has lost four of its last five games against conference opponents.
- Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in each of its last 10 October games against AP-ranked teams.
- The team ranked 24th in the AP Poll has covered the spread in five of its last six games.
- The home team has won the first quarter in each of Northwestern’s last six games.
- Rutgers has lost the first half in each of its last 17 road games against AP-ranked teams.
Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win
- The road team has won three of Rutgers’ last four games.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Northwestern’s last four games.
- Northwestern has failed to cover the spread in each of its last three October games as an AP-ranked team.
- Rutgers has won the first quarter in three of its last four games against teams from Illinois.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in seven of its last eight games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Rutgers’ last eight games against teams from Illinois have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Twelve of Northwestern’s last 16 October games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
Northwestern Wildcats Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 8, Joseph Himon II is one of only five players in the FBS to record 3+ rushing and 3+ receiving TDs this season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Player Prop Facts
- KJ Duff has recorded 75+ receiving yards in seven consecutive games – equal-longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 8.
Matchup/League Facts
- Northwestern has won the third quarter in each of its last seven games – longest active streak in the FBS.
- Northwestern ranks 4th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (96.4).
- Rutgers ranks 132nd among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (9.2).
- Rutgers ranks 132nd among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (19.5).
Northwestern vs Rutgers Prediction
Rutgers comes into this matchup after their first FBS win of the season last week, but it came against lowly Maryland. The Scarlet Knights have allowed 30+ points in three of their last four games, but they have scored at least 35 in two of their last four. Northwestern is ranked #24 in the country and they have won three in a row. The Wildcats didn’t play well against MSU last time out, but they found a way to win. Northwestern has allowed 21 or fewer in four of their last five and they should win easily here. Take the Wildcats to cover.