The Northwestern Wildcats and Rutgers Scarlet Knights, two of the worst teams in Power 5, face off in a crucial game that could set the tone for their respective seasons. With both teams struggling in recent years, and Rutgers having a better record against the spread, the Scarlet Knights seem to be the safer bet to cover at home. Read on for our free match preview and betting picks.
Match Live Sunday 3 September, 12:00 PM ET
Key Stats
– Rutgers is 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 Week 1 games.
– Northwestern is 1-6 against the spread in the last 7 September games.
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Northwestern Wildcats vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights predictions: A Battle of the Underdogs
The college football season is upon us, and one of the most intriguing matchups features the Northwestern Wildcats against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This game could potentially be a battle between the two worst teams in Power 5. Both teams have struggled in recent seasons, and this game will be a crucial test to see if either team can turn their fortunes around.
Team Analysis:
Northwestern Wildcats:
The Wildcats had a dismal season last year, failing to win a single game on American soil. They started the 2022 season with a win over Nebraska in Ireland but then proceeded to lose every other game. In a shocking turn of events, their longtime head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was fired for off-the-field issues. David Braun, the former defensive coordinator for North Dakota State, has been appointed as the new head coach for the Wildcats. This change in leadership might bring a new energy to the team, but it remains to be seen if it will translate into success on the field.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights:
On the other hand, Rutgers finished last season with a 4-8 record in their third year under head coach Greg Schiano. The outlook for the Scarlet Knights is bleak, especially with the 59th-ranked recruiting class, making it tough for them in the loaded Big Ten East division. Moreover, they have the misfortune of playing Wisconsin this year as their other cross-division opponent. However, they are returning 72% of last season’s production on defense, and in 2022 they ranked 38th in opponent points per game. Despite a poor outlook for the season, they have the advantage of playing against Northwestern, arguably the worst team in Power 5 last season.
Betting Odds:
Rutgers is 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 Week 1 games, and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 September games. Conversely, Northwestern is 2-4 against the spread in its last 6 Week 1 games, and 1-6 ATS in the last 7 September games. Given these statistics, it might be wise to take the Scarlet Knights to cover at home.
Conclusion:
Both Northwestern and Rutgers have had their share of struggles, and this game will be a crucial test for both teams. With a new head coach, Northwestern might bring a new energy to the field, but Rutgers, with a better record against the spread, seems to be the safer bet.
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