Rutgers at Indiana – College Football Predictions
The Game
It doesn’t get any more tense than this, yo.
A pair of 4-6 teams square off on Saturday afternoon in Big 10 action to see who can keep their bowl season hopes alive. The Hoosiers are fresh off a win vs Illinois and could set up a STEEL CAGE MATCH next week vs Purdue with a win this week. Rutgers has played far above expectations and can still (!!) make a bowl game with a win and an upset vs Sparty in their final game. Let’s go !
The Details
Indiana -11 Rutgers (49.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Indiana -8
Sagarin Ratings – Indiana -7.5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Indiana 30.25 Rutgers 19.25
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Indiana 28 Rutgers 20
The Match-Up
Indiana offense vs Rutgers defense
It looks like QB Richard Lagow will get the call this week to try and help SHOEHORN the Hoosiers into bowl game contention. Lagow does not provide the mobility of Peyton Ramsey but does have a LASER ROCKET ARM. Accuracy has been a bit of an issue (59%; 6 INT) but he has a really good receiving group. Indiana is ranked #12 in the Big 10 in rushing yards and #13 in yards per play and are going up against a decent Rutgers defense. They allowed 30,56,35,35 to Washington, Ohio St, Michigan and Penn St. Against non-JUGGERNAUTS ? 16,0,27,24,12,24. They also have 11 INTs to their credit.
Rutgers offense vs Indiana defense
This is going to be a struggle. The QB situation is disgusting (6 TD passes all year) but the good news is that the running game continues to work well. Their 1-2-3 RB combo has totaled over 1300 yards and 12 TDs and should be able to do some work vs the Hoosiers (#9 Big 10 rush defense; #8 YPC allowed). Indiana will be able to shut down the passing game and are very good on 3rd downs (#15 FBS). It feels to us like tough sledding for Rutgers vs an underrated defense.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
The only teams ahead of Indiana in yards per play defense in the Big 10 are Wisconsin, Penn St, Michigan and Ohio St. Good company.
Summary
Rutgers is giving max effort on defense and their offense is predicated on running the ball and limiting mistakes. Throw in the possibility of less than ideal weather (nothing horrible; but not balmy) and this feels like a decent under play.
Conclusion
Official Play: Under 49 -110. (sent 8:38 am EST Nov 16) (play down to 48)