Indiana Hoosiers (4-0) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-3)
October 3, 2026 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Rutgers Scarlet Knights 1200 / Indiana Hoosiers -2400; Over/Under: 56.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Rutgers vs Indiana prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 3rd at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 5 matchup.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 1-3 (0-1) this season after they defeated Howard by a score of 58-7 in their last game. Rutgers led 41-7 at halftime and they cruised to the easy win and cover in the second half. The Scarlet Knights out gained Howard by a total of 534-184, went 7-12 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 3-0 in the game. Dylan Lonergan threw for 214 yards and two touchdowns, while KJ Duff caught five passes for 131 yards and one score. Antwan Raymond rushed 16 times for 140 yards and three TDs in the game.
Prior to that win, Rutgers lost to USC by a score of 42-35 and Boston College by a score of 28-21. The Scarlet Knights have scored 33.8 points per game with 277.3 passing yards and 153.8 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 28.5 points against per game this season. Dylan Lonergan has thrown for 708 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
Indiana Hoosiers Betting Preview
The Indiana Hoosiers are 4-0 (1-0) this year after they defeated Northwestern by a score of 29-23 last week. Indiana led 12-0 at halftime, but they allowed 23 points in the second half and nearly blew the lead. The Hoosiers out gained NW by a total of 472-325, went 9-15 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Josh Hoover threw for 201 yards and one touchdown, while Charlie Becker caught seven passes for 98 yards. Lee Beebe Jr rushed 24 times for 203 yards and one touchdown in the win.
Prior to that game, Indiana defeated Western Kentucky by a score of 38-0 and Howard by a score of 55-0. The Hoosiers have scored 43.5 points per game with 230.3 passing yards and 233.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 9.8 points against per game this season. Josh Hoover has thrown for 850 yards with 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions, while Lee Beebe Jr has rushed for 398 yards and three scores this year.
Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win
- Rutgers has won each of its last three games as an underdog against teams from Indiana.
- Indiana has lost 17 of its last 22 road games in October.
- The home team has covered the spread in seven of Rutgers’ last eight games.
- Indiana has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games.
- The underdog has won the first quarter in three of the last four games between Indiana and Rutgers.
Why the Indiana Hoosiers will win
- Indiana has won each of its last 25 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Rutgers has lost six of its last seven games in October.
- Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in each of its last nine October games against AP-ranked teams.
- Indiana has covered the spread in six of its last seven games in October.
- Indiana has won the first quarter in 14 of its last 15 games against conference opponents.
- The favorite has won the first half in each of Indiana’s last 14 games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Rutgers’ last nine games as a home underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of Indiana’s last seven October games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 5, KJ Duff ranks T1st amongst FBS players for receiving touchdowns (7) this season.
Indiana Hoosiers Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 5, Josh Hoover ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for passer rating (204.6) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Rutgers ranks T126th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (9.5).
- Rutgers ranks T119th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against this season (75.0).
- Indiana has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 10+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
- Indiana has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 15+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
Rutgers vs Indiana Prediction
Indiana comes into this matchup ranked #6 in the nation, but they were not impressive last week against Northwestern. The Hoosiers have shutout two of their four opponents, but they have played four pretty easy opponents. Rutgers is looking for their first FBS win of the year and they have allowed 28+ points in three of their four games. I don’t trust Rutgers on either side of the ball and I think this is a great chance for Indiana to win easily. Take the Hoosiers here.
