The Rutgers Scarlet Knights will host the Iowa Hawkeyes in Piscataway on Friday night. This is the Big Ten opener for both teams and there is a lot on the line for both sides. Rutgers will look to stay unbeaten and prove it belongs in the Big Ten and Iowa will attempt to get its offense going in a key road test. Before the Big Ten schedule begins for these teams, continue reading to get my preview of this game, including my Iowa vs Rutgers prediction for Friday.
Our Iowa vs Rutgers Pick
- Pick: Rutgers Moneyline
- Confidence: 3/5
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Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Date & Time: Friday, September 19, 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
- Broadcast: FOX
Iowa vs Rutgers Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa -2.5 | Iowa -150 / Rutgers +130 | 45.5 |
Key Storylines
- Rutgers is 3-0 and set to host a Friday night game to open their conference schedule. The Scarlet Knights beat a pair of MAC teams in Ohio and Miami (OH) before beating FCS Norfolk State. They will face an elite Iowa defense here in a step up in level of competition.
- Iowa’s defense remains stingy, but the offense has been inconsistent through three games. They have leaned heavily on the run and their kicking game but will need to find some more offense if they want to avoid another loss.
Quarterback Play
Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis looks comfortable in year two of the Rutgers system. He opened with 18-of-23 for 252 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-31 win over Ohio. He then went 26-of-36 for 259 yards and four scores in a 45-17 victory over Miami (OH). Kaliakmanis has seven touchdown passes and has yet to throw an interception this season. Turnover avoidance has been a major plus through two games.
Iowa’s Mark Gronowski is a transfer who won big at the FCS level. But he has thrown for just 306 yards through three games, with three touchdown passes and one interception. Iowa hasn’t looked convincing on offense again this season and getting their offense going will start with the play of Gronowski under center.
Betting Trends & H2H
- Iowa is 1-1-1 against the spread this season.
- Rutgers is 1-1 against the spread to begin the year.
- Rutgers has gone over the total in two straight games so far.
- Iowa has gone under the total in two of their first three games.
- Iowa is 4-0 all-time against Rutgers.
Iowa vs Rutgers Model Projection
Score Projection: Iowa 16 – Rutgers 17
Win Probability: Iowa 50%, Rutgers 50%
Final Thoughts
We should see a low-scoring game between these programs on Friday night. The under should cash in this game, but I prefer to bet Rutgers to win this game on the moneyline. The struggles of the Iowa offense through the air will be a huge factor on the road against a conference opponent. Expect Rutgers to win a defensive struggle in New Jersey.
