Kick-off at SHI Stadium is set for 7:30 pm EST, with the game being broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
Defense, Defense, and More Defense
The Rutgers defense looked like world-beaters against Northwestern. The Scarlet Knights held the Wildcats to only 201 yards of total offense and just 12 yards on the ground. Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano discussed the game with reporters and shared these thoughts about why he deployed so many different players on defense;
“That was our plan we talked about, we are going to roll a lot of guys on defense. I think you’re going to see even more roles as some young guys get a little more experienced. I’d rather play a guy a month late than a day early because it can have an effect on them. But I think we’ll even roll more. But that was key today, as hot as it was, we had a couple issues; I’m sure they did with hydration and cramping and that stuff. We work so hard at not allowing that to be an issue. But a day like today is brutal, especially on that turf. I don’t know what the final temperature was but when you go on that surface, it’s another 12 to 15 degrees warmer. So that was a great job by our training staff and our strength staff and our nutrition staff by keeping those guys out there on the field”.
Wimsatt Has Decent Day
Many question marks surrounded Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt this preseason. While he didn’t answer all of his critics with his 17/29, 163 passing yards with a TD day against Northwestern, Schiano was happy with his signal-caller, telling reporters
“He played a really clean game. I think he played relaxed, confident, because of his preparation. Thought he was very decisive. The other thing he did that stood out to me is he let the bad plays die. Saw him throw a few away. Saw him tucking and run. That to me is a sign of maturation.”
Temple Sneaks Past Akron
Temple found themselves staring down an 11-point halftime deficit but outscored the Zips 14-0 in the second half to improve their record to 1-0. Temple QB E.J. Warner threw for 292 yards with a pair of scoring strikes to running back Edward Saydee.
Temple vs. Rutgers Betting Analysis
FanDuel NJ opened Rutgers at -400 on the moneyline but has since moved to -385. Rutgers opened as a -9.5 point favorite, and that number hasn’t budged. That could indicate future spread movement, and we could see the spread fall to -9.0 points.
The total opened at 46.5 points and has been bet down to 44.5 points (-114) at FanDuel.
Temple vs. Rutgers Betting Preview
Based on the strength of these two defenses, the only real play is to bet Rutgers Under 44.5 (-114) at FanDuel.
Temple allowed 279 total yards and three first-half TDs to the Zips before shutting them out over the final two stanzas. The Owls forced a pair of fumbles they didn’t recover but did have one interception with a pair of sacks. If Temple can apply their second-half defense to this contest, Rutgers won’t be able to hang a big number on the Owls on Saturday.
The Rutgers defense stymied Northwestern and nearly pitched a shutout on Sunday. The Scarlett Knights defense is one of the best in the Big Ten and allowed 201 total yards and a late score in garbage time against Northwestern. Temple will find it incredibly difficult to score the football on Saturday, and this one should end Under the oddsmakers’ total. Play Rutgers Under 44.5 (-114) at FanDuel.
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