College football picks, Miami vs. Rutgers in Pinstripe Bowl: Prediction, odds, spread, list of opt-outs, injuries

The Miami Hurricanes take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the Pinstripe Bowl on Thursday, December 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET from Yankee Stadium.

Miami (7-5, 3-5 ACC) began their season on a 4-0 run, but back-to-back losses to Georgia Tech and UNC marked the beginning of the end for this ‘Canes team. Miami dealt with quarterback injuries throughout the season, and will be starting third-string QB Jacurri Brown in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Hurricanes grabbed an overtime win over Clemson, but fell to Florida State, NC State, and Louisville in conference play. Outside of the QB position, the Hurricanes will retain most of their offensive starters for the bowl, though several top defenders are sitting out to prepare for the draft.

Rutgers (6-6, 3-6 B1G) had a much-needed 3-0 start to their season. They eked their way into bowl eligibility despite going on a four-game losing streak to end the year. Their conference wins came over Michigan State, Indiana, and Northwestern. The Scarlet Knights were led by quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, who finished the year with over 1,600 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Running back Kyle Monangai added over 1,000 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. There are very few opt-outs from Rutgers in this matchup.

Here’s everything you need to know and a pick for the bowl.

SP+ Rankings

Miami: 22 overall, 32 offense, 36 defense
Rutgers: 59 overall, 98 offense, 22 defense

List of injuries and players opting out of game

Miami

QB Tyler Van Dyke - Out (transfer portal, 2703 yards, 19 TDs) QB Emory Williams - Out (arm)QB Jacurri Brown - expected to startWR Colbie Young - Out (transfer portal, 563 yards, 5 TDs)RB Don Chaney - Out (transfer portal, 478 yards, 2 TDs)RB Trevonte Citizen - Expected to play first game of seasonEDGE Jahfari Harvey - Out (transfer portal) LB Corey Flagg Jr. - Out (transfer portal) S James Williams - Out (Draft)S Kamren Kinchens - Out (Draft)DT Leonard Taylor - Out (Draft)WR William Hawkins - Out (transfer portal) WR Frank Ladson - Out (transfer portal) TE Dominic Mammarelli - Out (transfer portal)

TE Jaleel Skinner - Out (transfer portal)

Rutgers

OT Kamar Missouri - Out (transfer portal) CB Max Melton - Out (draft)WR Bryce Kissi - Out (transfer portal) TE Johnny Langan - Questionable (lower body)QB Raeden Oliver - Out (transfer portal) QB Evan Simon - Out (transfer portal) WR Max Patterson - Out (transfer portal) WR Rashad Rochelle - Out (transfer portal) QB Gavin Rupp - Out (transfer portal)

RB Aaron Young - Out (transfer portal)

ATS/Total

Against The Spread in 2023

Miami: 6-6 ATS
Rutgers: 6-5-1 ATS

Total in 2023

Miami: Over 7-5
Rutgers: Over 6-6

Team Pace

Miami: 28.1 seconds per play
Rutgers: 29.5 seconds per play

Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread: Rutgers -1
Total: 41.5
Moneyline: Rutgers -115, Miami -105

Weather

54°F, Showers, 31% chance of rain, 6 MPH winds

Our Best Bet for the Pinstripe Bowl

Miami -105

The Hurricanes may have limped through the second half of their schedule, but they have a solid shot against a Rutgers team that lost four in a row to end 2023. Both teams bring solid defenses to the field in this matchup, but Miami’s offense was significantly more productive than Rutgers’ was this season. Even without Van Dyke, I think that the ‘Canes can get some key stops against the Scarlet Knights’ rushing attack and pull out a win in New York. The strong Miami run defense is the exact key to stopping Rutgers’ rush-heavy offense.