Rutgers is hosting Miami (OH) on Saturday afternoon of Week 2. The game will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers is looking to move to 2-0 on the season against a second straight MAC opponent.
The Scarlet Knights are 15.5-point home favorites in this game on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 45.5 points. This is a preview, prediction and pick for this Miami (OH)-Rutgers non-conference matchup.
Miami (OH) vs. Rutgers Preview
Miami (OH) Preview
The RedHawks are starting the season with back-to-back road games against Big Ten opponents. Miami got lucky in its first game with Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards getting injured on the team’s first drive of the game. That immediately left Wisconsin in a tough spot and its offense was never able to get going. However, the Badgers still silenced the Miami offense. The RedHawks were completely shut out in Madison and could face a similar fate in Piscataway. Quarterback Dequan Finn couldn’t get anything going, finishing 9-of-18 for 83 yards and two interceptions. Until they get to MAC play, it could be a rough time for the Miami offense.
Rutgers Preview
Rutgers already faced one MAC opponent to start its season, the Ohio Bobcats. The Rutgers offense was fantastic, but the defense struggled, winning the game 34-31. The Scarlet Knights’ offense picked up where it left off last season. Athan Kaliakmanis is an underrated quarterback with boatloads of experience. The Rutgers passing attack should be strong this season. Kaliakmanis went 18-for-23 for 252 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio. He should have another big game against this Miami defense that is not as good as it looked against Wisconsin. Rutgers can also move the ball efficiently on the ground with a strong running back duo. Its defense should improve after watching tape and come with a better effort this week.
Miami (OH) vs. Rutgers Pick
My best bet is for Rutgers to cover the spread at home. Its offense picked up where it left off last season, with a great run-pass balance. The Scarlet Knights have good momentum and should be able to score efficiently in this game. Miami’s defense was fortunate to have Wisconsin’s offensive game plan thrown off by an early quarterback injury. On the other side of the ball, Miami’s offense should struggle again. It couldn’t get anything going against Wisconsin, and while this Rutgers defense isn’t quite at that level, it should still be limited. Greg Schiano is a great defensive coach, and with something to adjust from after last week, he should have his defense playing tougher this week.
