KJ Duff makes Rutgers a dangerous team to dismiss once Indiana begin scoring. He has already caught 29 passes for 550 yards and seven touchdowns, an imposing combination of volume and finishing ability. The Scarlet Knights put up 35 against USC, a more useful indication of their scoring ability than last week’s 58-point afternoon against Howard. Indiana should create plenty of defensive problems here, but Rutgers have a receiver capable of answering a good drive with a very short one. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Indiana Hoosiers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Rutgers vs. Indiana prediction, preview
The Hoosiers just experienced that difficulty against Northwestern. They won 29-23, yet Aidan Chiles completed 22 of 29 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns. That’s considerable efficiency to concede against an offense Indiana were expected to contain. Their defenders also let Chiles escape would-be sacks, a frustrating waste of pressure. Rutgers will attack differently, but Indiana have repairs to make in both coverage and pursuit. Duff, whose seven receiving touchdowns lead the country, is an especially unforgiving opponent for a secondary still sorting out those problems.
Antwan Raymond can help sustain those possessions on the ground. He averages 109.3 rushing yards, a productive complement to Duff that will require Indiana to keep accounting for the run while they arrange their coverage. I have the Scarlet Knights reaching 21 points, a substantial reduction from their output against USC. Indiana’s defense should win more individual possessions than the Trojans did. Duff and Raymond still provide enough offense to make three touchdowns a reasonable expectation.
Indiana’s own offense should do considerably more. The Hoosiers average nearly six yards per carry and have thrown 13 touchdown passes without an interception, a combination that sustains drives while limiting wasted possessions. Lee Beebe Jr. just rushed for 203 yards on 24 carries, an emphatic response to an expanded workload. Turbo Richard’s ankle status may change how the work divides, but Indiana have already demonstrated they can run effectively through Beebe if necessary.
Indiana vs. Rutgers pick, best bet
Rutgers have intercepted four passes, although two came against Howard last week. A takeaway would help considerably against Indiana’s efficient offense; counting on another pair against the Hoosiers asks much more of the defense. Indiana are making their first road trip into a homecoming crowd, too. Their 4-0 outright record and 0-4 ATS mark illustrate how demanding expectations have become. I’d expect another win, with enough Rutgers scoring to make the large favorite’s spread a less appealing wager.
I’m taking over 56.5, with Indiana winning 42-21. The Hoosiers should generate sustained rushing production and enough passing touchdowns to approach six scores, while Duff makes me unwilling to hold Rutgers to a token contribution. A few Scarlet Knights stops would even preserve their normal offensive approach deeper into the game. Turnovers and red-zone field goals could frustrate the over, but I prefer the combined scoring opportunities to asking Indiana to finally satisfy another substantial favorite’s margin.
Best bet: Over 56.5 (-112)
Projected score: Indiana 42, Rutgers 21
Best Bet: Rutgers vs. Indiana o56.5 total points scored (-110)
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