Penn State (8-2) heads just to its east for a showdown with league rival Rutgers (4-6) on the campus of the Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Check the Penn State vs Rutgers betting prediction.
The series has been the epitome of lopsided as the Nittany Lions are 30-2 all-time against RU and have won 15 in a row.
Top 25 Teams In America
Ranked among the top 25 teams in America for most of the season, PSU lost to both Michigan and Ohio State.
Not surrounded by a ton of expectations heading into Year 2 of Greg Schiano’s second stint in Piscataway, Rutgers opened the year with a win on the road at Boston College but has struggled against league opponents.
In looking at Penn State football standings, the Nittany Lions are third in the Big 10 East trailing both the Buckeyes and Wolverines, who are tied at the top and will meet next week.
NCAAF Odds
When studying college football odds, Penn State is a 19-point favorite in the game, with the total being set at 45 points.
Those interested in Penn State vs Rutgers betting must decide whether PSU’s talent overwhelms the Scarlet Knights or will RU pull an upset over one of the most hated rivals on its home field, producing the signature win Schiano has been craving since his return.
All you need to know about one of this week’s college football matchups, including the latest college football injuries, standings, and much more.
Nittany Lions are 7-3 ATS this season, having beaten the number in all of its last four games. For his career, PSU coach James Franklin is 14-12 ATS as a road favorite as the Lions head coach, while he is 22-19 SU on the road and 39-37-2 ATS in Big 10 matchups.
Historically a good team ATS, Rutgers is 6-4 this season. Schiano is 20-22 ATS as a home dog, 44-44 SU at home, and 50-5 1 in conference games.
A quick glance at Rutgers football odds shows that the Knights have been favored just three times in 2022 and only once in league play.
For those engaging in Penn State vs Rutgers betting, one thing to note is that Franklin and Penn State, while they’ve experienced the success of the Banks of the Raritan, are not a great road team, and although they’ve been rolling lately against the NCAA football schedule (a pair of wins by a combined 75-14) they’ve traditionally struggled away from Happy Valley.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Matchup Information
- Venue: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
- Matchup Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- How to watch: The game is part of the Big Ten Network Weekly Package
- Where to watch: The game is available on Big Ten Network or can be streamed online on the Big Ten To Go app.
Penn State Analysis
Offense
Penn State runs an average of 75.1 offensive snaps per game and throws it 53.7 percent of the time. They are 55th nationally in total yards while ranking 72nd on the ground and 86th through the air.
In its last two games, PSU has scored 75 points and has won the turnover battle decisively. They outgained Maryland 413 to 134 and outgained the Hoosiers of Indiana 483 to 196.
Defense
As good as its offense has been, the PSU defense has been stout as of late. The Team is 83rd in America in yards allowed, being much stingier against the run than the pass.
As mentioned, they’ve really come to play as of late, shutting out Maryland and holding Indiana to 14 points. The Penn State Nittany Lions surrendered just 22 first downs combined in those two victories.
Rutgers Analysis
Offense
Since inserting redshirt freshman Gavin Wimsatt into the lineup three weeks ago and parting ways with offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson the Knights have had mixed results. Given the difficulty of its schedule, it’s sometimes hard to gauge improvement.
Team is way down in the national rankings in nearly every offensive category, ranking 221st overall and not that much better on the ground or through the air.
The offense has seemingly gotten a spark playing at home, and they hope to carry that momentum into Saturday’s contest, something that those interested in Penn State vs Rutgers betting must take notice of.
Defense
Defense has always been Schiano’s strength, and despite losing nearly all of its defensive staff after last season, including defensive coordinator Robb Smith and recruiting ace and defensive backfield coach Fran Brown, the unit has not missed a beat.
It currently ranks among the conference’s top half in several categories and the top third in America in both yards allowed (50th) and passing yards (T46th).
Its veteran-laden defensive backfield will need to play its best game of the season as PSU’s all-time leading passer Sean Clifford comes to Jersey.
NCAAF Stats and Standings
Both teams play in the ultra-competitive Big 10 East, as mentioned.
The Nittany Lions find themselves two games behind stalwarts Michigan and Ohio State, while Rutgers Scarlet Knights is tied with Indiana for last, although by virtue of their win over the Hoosiers, owns the tiebreaker.
NCAAF Pick: Penn State -19 (-120)
Most Remarkable Player for this Matchup
Rutgers QB Gavin Wimsatt
A player who left high school in the fall of 2021 and arrived on campus with a ton of hype. Never really got it going in his true freshman year and was redshirted.
After losing the quarterback battle in camp and then being part of a rotation, the Owensboro, Ky. native finally got his shot and has been the clear starter for the past three games.
In his three starts, he has thrown 3 TDs and 3 INTs and has grown up in a hurry against some of the conferences, if not the nation’s best defensive fronts.
Known for his ability to create havoc outside of the pocket, Wimsatt has run for nearly 100 yards thus far.
Penn State QB Sean Clifford
The senior recently became the school’s all-time passing yards leader surpassing Trace McSorley.
He also ranks first in Nittany Lions history in touchdowns, completions, and completion percentage. He is second in total offense at PSU behind McSorley and 7th all-time in the Big 10.
In 2022, he has completed 62.1 percent of his passes and connected for 17 touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions.
The Rutgers defensive backfield has a number of players considered NFL prospects and could potentially disrupt the Nittany Lion passing attack and impact Penn State vs Rutgers betting outcomes.
Rutgers DL Aaron Lewis
Now in his third year On the Banks, Lewis originally enrolled at Michigan for the spring of 2019 semester but returned home and has been a staple on the Rutgers defensive line ever since.
This season, he has been at the heart of a defensive unit that is stingy against the run.
He has recorded 50 tackles and has alternated between defensive end and tackle. Many expect Lewis to find a spot on the All-Big 10 conference first team.
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