Rutgers named 42.5-point favorite over Howard
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After Rutgers 42-35 loss to No.12 USC at home last week, their search for their first win of the season continues as they are set to take on Howard at home on Friday, September 25, at 7 p.m. FanDuel is predicting an easy win for the Scarlet Knights, as their initial odds have Rutgers listed as a 42.5-point favorite over the Bison.
Despite the loss, the Knights looked better against the Trojans than they had in games past. The defense managed to get a few stops against one of the most high-powered offenses in the Big Ten. The offense was able to move the ball down the field and exposed USC’s relatively weak defense for their high ranking. It is these factors (and the fact that Howard is an FCS school) that likely make Rutgers such a heavy favorite over Howard. Both of these factors also make the first two games of the season even more frustrating.
Aside from the interceptions, Rutgers played a much better game against USC than it did against Boston College and UMass. The run blocking was much improved, allowing players like Antwan Raymond to hit some holes and create a few big gains. The pass block was better as well, as the Knights only surrendered one sack. Even Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano admitted during a press conference that he thinks the team would be looking at a different record to start the season had they played the same way they had against USC.
Howard is coming into this game at 1-2, having lost their last two games after starting their season with a 31-24 win over Alabama A&M. Since that game, they have suffered a 28-21 loss to Richmond and a 55-0 loss to Indiana. The Bison are averaging around 160 passing yards per game, 80 rushing yards per game, and just over 17 points per game. They have also surrendered an average of 34.33 points per game.
The biggest thing to look for in this game is a continuation of what looked better against USC, along with mistake-free quarterback play. If Rutgers can keep the turnovers to a minimum, they should be able to pull off a comfortable win.
Rutgers vs Howard will kick off at 7 p.m. inside SHI Stadium on Friday, September 25. Live coverage for the game will be available on the Big Ten Network. Before the game will be the 16th annual Walk to Believe, where Rutgers legend Eric Legrand will lead a pregame parade.
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