Match Analysis: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Ohio Bobcats – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-08-28
- Time: 10:00 PM UTC
- Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey
Game Overview
Rutgers Scarlet Knights open at home as strong favorites against the Ohio Bobcats, with Rutgers favored by 15.5 points and a total set near 49.5. Both teams feature experienced quarterbacks but contrasting defensive profiles; Rutgers posted solid scoring and moderate defense last season, while Ohio has a notably stingy defense and effective time of possession.
Key Factors to Consider
- Rutgers finished 7-6 last season, scoring 28.9 points per game and allowing 25.4. Ohio ended with an 11-3 record, scoring 29.3 points and allowing only 18.1 per game. Ohioβs defense and ball control are top-10 nationally, contrasting Rutgersβ average defensive numbers.
- Rutgers has dominated recent season openers and has won each of its last seven openers overall. Ohio has struggled on the road vs Big Ten teams, losing its last four. Rutgers has covered the spread in 7 of its last 8 season openers, and Ohio has consistently failed to cover against Big Ten opponents.
- No significant injury reports impacting starters or key players were noted for this matchup, indicating mostly full-strength squads.
- Game is at Rutgersβ SHI Stadium with home crowd advantage and no adverse weather reported. Coverage and betting volume are heavy on Rutgers, which could influence line movement but also reflect strong institutional confidence.
- Rutgers looking to assert early season dominance at home and justify large favorite status. Ohio aims to prove themselves as bowl winners and challenge a Power Five team on the road, but recent historical struggles may impact confidence.
Odds and Predictions
Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
---|---|---|---|
Moneyline | Rutgers -750, Ohio +525 | Rutgers | β β β β β 78% |
Spread | Rutgers -15.5 -112, Ohio +15.5 -108 | Rutgers -15.5 | β β β β β 70% |
Over/under | Over 49.5 -108, Under 49.5 -112 | Over 49.5 | β β β ββ 65% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
Market | EV Pick |
---|---|
Moneyline | Rutgers Scarlet Knights -7% |
Spread | N/A |
Over/Under | Over 49.5 19% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Over 49.5 at 19% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 21% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Rutgers to cover the -15.5 spread, with a solid moneyline win and a lean towards the game staying over the total points line.
Predicted Score: Rutgers 38 – Ohio 20