HomeNJ Sports Betting NewsRutgers Scarlet Knights Season Betting Preview: Defense Should Lead the Way

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Season Betting Preview: Defense Should Lead the Way

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming off a 4-8 record in 2022 and the second consecutive season with the Scarlet Knights missing a bowl game. Head Coach Greg Schiano has coached Rutgers for 15 seasons, and his second stint at the university has already led to a 2021 Gator Bowl appearance.

Image: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

DraftKings NJ has Rutgers on the board as a +300,000 longshot to win the BCS National Championship but better odds for the Scarlet Knights to win at least five games this season.

The preseason pundits aren’t very high on Rutgers this season, but there may be a future wager for the Scarlet Knights that we will explore when we preview the 2023 Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ future betting odds!

Rutgers Offense Could Be Better than Last Season

Greg Schiano is tasked with rebuilding an offense that lost six starters from a season ago. That unit was 128th in the country in scoring, but at least they have a couple of returning linemen to protect whoever starts at quarterback.

A pair of juniors are vying for the position; last season’s starting QB, Evan Simon, led the team in passing yards but was replaced by Gavin Winsatt. The latter threw more TDs but also was highly inaccurate. Whoever does start has a brand new receiving corps with senior tight end Johnny Langan, the top returning receiver.

The backfield is loaded with experience with returning starters Samuel Brown V and last season’s leading rusher Kyle Monangai.

Defense Key to Rutgers Success

Last season the Scarlet Knights were 4-2 when the offense scored more than 16 points and return seven starting defensive players, including five of their front seven. LB Delon Jennings led the 2022 team in tackles and is the centerpiece of a defense ranked eighth in the conference in total yards.

Rutgers’ entire defensive coaching staff returns and will coach a defense that in 2022 defense was also top 25 in the country through their first six games. The offense was so bad the defensive unit was gassed by halftime, causing their impressive numbers to fall.

One more year’s worth of experience and a better offense allow this unit to end the season top 25 in something.

Rutgers 2023 Schedule

College football analyst Warren Nolan suggests the Scarlet Knights have the 56th strongest schedules in the country.

Rutgers 2023 Betting Odds

Here are the betting odds for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in 2023:

  • To win the 2023 BCS National Championship: +100000
  • To win the Big Ten: +30000
  • To win the Big Ten East: +20000
  • Over 4.5 wins: +105
  • Under 4.5 wins: -125

Can Rutgers Win the 2023 BCS National Championship Game?

No, Rutgers won’t win the 2023 BCS National Championship game, nor will they make the FBS Playoffs.

Their contests against Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State will end their BCS Title hopes, as they will likely lose all three contests.

Can Rutgers Win the Big Ten Championship and Big Ten East?

No, Rutgers won’t win the Big Ten Championship and Big Ten East.

Rutgers had a problem scoring the football last season, and they’ll likely struggle to score the football against Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State. It would be difficult to win the Big Ten East with three losses, so don’t bet on Rutgers to win the conference or division.

Can Rutgers win Over 4.5 Games?

Yes, Rutgers can win over 4.5 games, and +105 at DraftKings is a good price.

The Scarlet Knights open their season with three straight home games and should be able to beat Northwestern, Temple, and Virginia Tech. Rutgers hosts Wagner on the 30th of September, which should be four wins. They should either beat Maryland or Indiana, giving the Scarlet Knights five wins behind the strength of their defense. Play Over 4.5 wins at DraftKings. 

For more information about New Jersey sports betting, check us out regularly here at Betting NJ.

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