Ohio Bobcats vs
Rutgers Scarlet KnightsPredictions & Preview

Highly Anticipated Match-Up Between Ohio University and Rutgers University Kicks Off College Football Season, Ohio Looks to Continue Winning Streak

As Week 1 of the college football season kicks off, Ohio University will face Rutgers University in a highly anticipated match-up. Ohio, coming off a successful 2024 season with an 11-3 record, will be looking to continue their winning streak. On the other hand, Rutgers finished 7-6 last season and will be aiming for a strong start. With Rutgers holding a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series, including a recent 38-26 win in 2011, this Thursday night game promises to be an exciting one for fans of both teams. Stay tuned for our Ohio vs. Rutgers prediction to get all the important details before kickoff.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bobcats +500 | Scarlet Knights -700
• Spread: Bobcats +15.5 (-110) | Scarlet Knights -15.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 49.25 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Rutgers will win straight-up is 88%.

Ohio Bobcats

Ohio had a successful season, finishing with 11 wins and only 3 losses, and a championship win in the MAC Conference. Tim Albin left to take a new job at Charlotte, with Brian Smith taking over as head coach. The team looks to continue their success and secure a win against a power conference program. Last season, they excelled in rushing offense but struggled in passing offense. Key players returning include quarterback Parker Navarro and running back Sieh Bangura. The team will also see competition for the kicking duties between David Dellenbach and Alex Kasee.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers had a successful 2024 season with a 7-6 record, marking their second straight winning season. They were 4-5 in Big Ten play, their most conference wins since joining in 2014, before falling in the Rate Bowl. Coach Greg Schiano is optimistic about the team's potential to start strong, as they did in 2024. The Scarlet Knights have a strong track record in season openers, winning five straight under Schiano and going 12-4 overall. Defensively, they finished 70th in scoring defense, allowing 25.4 points per game. Athan Kaliakmanis returns as quarterback after a solid 2024 season. The team's leading returning running backs are Samuel Brown V and Antwan Raymond. Receiver DT Sheffield will be a key addition this year, along with returning targets Ian Strong, KJ Duff, and Ben Black. Jai Patel had a strong kicking season in 2024, going 41 of 42 on extra point attempts and 15 of 19 on field goals.

Rutgers Faces Tough Test Against Ohio's Formidable Defense

Rutgers has demonstrated strong performance in non-conference games under Coach Schiano during his second tenure at the university. Despite their home field advantage, they will be facing a formidable Ohio team that boasts a solid and experienced defense, ranking 13th in scoring defense and eighth in total defense last season. Ohio's main area of improvement should be in reducing turnovers, as they struggled with 22 turnovers and a -2 takeaway/giveaway ratio in the previous season. While Rutgers may have the upper hand in this matchup, their offense is not a dominant force and they are integrating new players into the lineup. Although Rutgers is favored, a spread of more than two touchdowns seems overly optimistic. Therefore, those considering the betting line may want to consider taking Ohio and the points.

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