Match Analysis: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Ohio Bobcats – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-08-28
- Time: 10:00 PM UTC
- Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
Game Overview
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will host the Ohio Bobcats in the opening game of the 2025 NCAA football season. Rutgers is favored heavily given their status as a Big Ten team and their strong season opener record under coach Greg Schiano, while Ohio, a Mid-American Conference team, looks to start their season on an upset. The kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (22:00 UTC) and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
Key Factors to Consider
- Rutgers has been strong historically in season openers, holding a 12-4 record under coach Schiano and winning each of the last five season openers. Ohio has not previously beaten Rutgers in recent meetings and is considered the underdog going into this non-conference matchup.
- The teams have met only three times before, in 1937, 2006, and 2011, with Ohio winning in 1937 and Rutgers taking the latter two matchups. Ohio's best recent performance featured record-setting receivers, but they remain winless head-to-head in the modern era against Rutgers.
- No specific injury reports currently available for either team prior to game day.
- The game is played at Rutgersโ home stadium, SHI Stadium, which favors the Scarlet Knights. The event includes fan festivities such as Youth Football Night and postgame fireworks, likely boosting Rutgers' motivation and crowd support. Weather and other environmental conditions have not been reported but could impact game flow.
- Rutgers aims to continue its strong opening game streak and build momentum in the Big Ten, while Ohio seeks to make a statement by upsetting a Power Five team on the road, opening their season with a quality performance.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Ohio Bobcats: 525, Rutgers Scarlet Knights: -750 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | โ โ โ โ โ 85% |
| Spread | Ohio Bobcats: -15.5 at -108, Rutgers Scarlet Knights: +15.5 at -112 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights to cover -15.5 | โ โ โ โ โ 80% |
| Over/under | Over: 49.5 at -108, Under: 49.5 at -112 | Under 49.5 | โ โ โ โโ 65% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Rutgers Scarlet Knights -0% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 49.5 23% |
๐ฅ Best Value Pick: Under 49.5 at 23% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 25.8% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Rutgers Scarlet Knights are expected to win convincingly given their home advantage, historical performance, and betting odds heavily favoring them. Ohio Bobcats are long shots but may keep it competitive early.
Predicted Score: Rutgers Scarlet Knights 35 – Ohio Bobcats 14