Northwestern vs. Rutgers Predictions, Picks & Odds Week 1

Northwestern and Rutgers combined to score fewer than 26 points per game last season. Does that mean value for the Under as the two sides kick off 2023? Read on for our Northwestern vs. Rutgers prediction based on the best college football odds.

Our best sports betting apps expect a slugfest as the total opened small and was bet downeven smaller for Sunday’s game between Northwestern and Rutgers.

Withtwo teams coming off abysmal seasons offensively, has the total dropped enoughfrom its opening position to take the value away from the Under?

Hereis our best Northwestern vs. Rutgers prediction and college football picks (odds via our best college footballbetting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Northwestern vs. Rutgers prediction: Week 1

Not intended for use in MA
Affiliate Disclosure: Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook

BothNorthwestern and Rutgers finished 2022 ranked among the bottomfour FBS teams in scoring, with Rutgers mustering just 13.0 points per game.Northwestern was a shade worse, at 12.8 PPG.

Neitherdefense was very good, with both squads allowing more than 28 PPG to opponents. But given the ineptitude of both offenses a yearago, it seems the defenses should set up for favorable days Sunday.

Nowin his fourth year of his second stint at Rutgers, head coach Greg Schiano should've hadtime to install the defense and personnel he needs to be successfulconsistently on that side of the ball. Although Schiano’s D got lit up inseveral games last year, it largely fared well against mediocre teams in 2022.Rutgers went 4-2 in matchups where its offense scored more than 16 points.

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Northwesternhad more off-field turmoil over the past few months than most programsexperience in a decade, so it wouldn’t be surprising if this group is sluggishout of the gate. Ryan Hilinski is an experienced but unimpressive Wildcats quarterback.

Giventhe expected inefficiencies of both offenses and the new running clock ruleafter first downs in college football, this battle between middling Big Tenfoes sets up for plenty of long, fruitless possessionsã—an Under bettor’sdream.

 Legal sports betting is coming soon to Kentucky – but you can pre-register now! Check out the best sites for Kentucky sports betting and the best Kentucky sportsbook promos! 21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.  

Northwestern vs. Rutgers best odds

We’reseeing Under 39.5 across this board on the total, with a standard -110 on bothsides of the number. Considering neither side shouldbreak 20 points in this contest, play the Under down to37.5.

Notethat bettors in Illinois or New Jersey may find trouble accessing lines ingeneral on this matchup due to local regulations in those states.

Northwestern vs. Rutgers odds

Rutgersopened as a 6.5-point home favorite and remained wedged into that spotacross best sports betting sites. Most books offer -110 odds, but FanDuel hasRutgers at -112. A whopping 64% of spread wagers came in on Rutgers, butthe books seem hesitant to move the line off that -6.5 mark.

Thetotal opened at 40.5 but dropped by a full point across the board. 52% oftotal wagers went Under the total.

Northwestern vs. Rutgers game info

• When: Sunday, Sept. 3, noon ET
• Where: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
• How to watch: CBS
• Weather: 80 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, 6-mph winds

Northwestern vs. Rutgers prediction made Friday, Sept. 1 at 2:28 p.m. ET.

College football betting odds pages

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.