The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Wisconsin Badgers meet Saturday in college football action from Camp Randall Stadium. Rutgers is fresh off a matchup versus Wagner last weekend. The Scarlet Knights ended up cruising to a dominant win. As for Wisconsin, they’re coming off an open week. The Badgers last appeared in a blowout win over Purdue back on September 22. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Scarlet Knights’ season kicked off with a matchup versus Northwestern. The Scarlet Knights took that one 24-7, then beat Temple 36-7 the next week. Game three was another victory, this time 35-16 over Virginia Tech. The Knights would take their first loss of the season in game four against a great Michigan team, falling 31-7. 

In last weekend’s game versus Wagner, Rutgers posted double-digit points in each quarter during a blowout win 52-3. QB Gavin Wimsatt finished with 146 yards and a TD. Kyle Monangai rushed for 87 yards and a score, and JaQuae Jackson added 71 yards off four catches. 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Facts

The home team has won each of Rutgers’ last six games.
Rutgers has covered the spread in eight of its last nine matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
Rutgers has lost the first half in 12 of its last 13 road games against conference opponents.
Ten of Rutgers’ last 11 road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Wisconsin Badgers 

Over on the Wisconsin side, they’ve got four pretty solid performances in the books so far for a 3-1 record at the moment. The Badgers drilled Buffalo 38-17 in their first outing of the year but then came up short against Washington State 31-22 in game two. Wisconsin got back in the win column in game three against Georgia Southern 35-14. 

Back on September 22 in their last appearance versus Purdue, Wisconsin was able to keep their run going. The Badgers were up 21-3 at the break and ended up cruising to a 38-17 win. QB Tanner Mordecai posted 174 yards and a pick, while Braelon Allen led a solid rushing attack with 116 yards and two scores off 16 carries. 

Wisconsin Badgers Team Facts

Wisconsin has won 11 of its last 12 October home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five matches when playing with a rest advantage.
Wisconsin has lost the first half in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
Five of Wisconsin’s last six games in October have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

Wisconsin ranked 5th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (3.9).
Wisconsin ranked 6th among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (7.7).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stick with the Badgers in this one. With the extra week of rest and preparation, Wisconsin should be in a good spot to rattle off a good performance at home versus a talented conference opponent. Wisconsin had a nice offensive outing versus Purdue, posting 388 total yards (195 rushing), 20 first downs, 12-of-18 on third-down tries and 33:54 on time of possession. The 11 penalties didn’t help matters, but Wisconsin was able to get their defense off the field with three turnovers (two picks). I like another solid outing on both sides here. 

As for Rutgers, they didn’t have any issues at all versus an overmatched Wagner squad during their last outing. The Knights have scored 35 or more points in three of their last four games, however the points probably won’t be so easy to come by against Wisconsin.