COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Northwestern has been the steadier team through six games, with a 5-1 record, 33.5 points scored per game, and a defense that has held opponents to 17.0 points per game. Rutgers has been much more vulnerable defensively, allowing 31.8 points per game and 185.2 rushing yards per game allowed, which is a concern against a Northwestern team that has been efficient enough to separate from weaker opponents. Rutgers does have a respectable 5-1 over record and some offensive production, but its 2-4 overall mark and shaky yardage prevention make it harder to trust against a strong home favorite.
Northwestern should control this game at home and win by a comfortable margin. The Wildcats have been better on both efficiency and scoring prevention, while Rutgers has allowed too many points and too many yards to project a tight finish. My projected final score is Northwestern Wildcats 38, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 20.
