Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Predictions, Odds, Picks

Sept. 23, 2021
Eytan Shander
VI College Football Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

The Wolverines are actually playing good football, ripping through their first three weeks of their schedule. It’s not Washington’s defense fault that their o is so bad, but UM torched them on the ground. Nobody runs the ball better than Michigan, like nobody protects the ball better than Rutgers. Ultimately talent wins out, but the Scarlet Knights have a shot to keep it close.

Score Prediction: Michigan 38, Rutgers 14

Best Bet: Michigan -20

Best Bet: Over 27 1H

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Predictions

Rutgers has a secret weapon in that they simply do not turn over the football, leading the nation in turnover differential. While their opponents haven’t jumped off any pages, the Scarlet Knights still are playing beyond efficient football. Their defense is causing turnovers too, but therein lies the problem; Michigan doesn’t turn it over either. Being efficient on offense means less chances for Rutgers, which will be a problem down 2+ scores. Michigan can power through this bigger line and cover.

More Free College Football Picks

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Odds

More Odds | Futures Odds


The Wolverines (3-0) are a large -20-point favorite as they host also undefeated Rutgers. Rutgers has covered six straight spreads.



The total is 49.5 for this game being played in Ann Arbor. It opened at 49.5 and shot up to 52.5 before coming back to its current number.



Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Resources

  • Matchup: Big 10
  • Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
  • Venue: Michigan Stadium
  • Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • TV-Time: ABC - 3:30 p.m. ET

Bet in Michigan
Bet in Pennsylvania
Bet in Indiana
Bet in Illinois
Bet in Iowa
Other Betting States

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 3-0
  • ATS: 3-0
  • O/U: 2-1
  • ATS - Home: 2-0
  • ATS - Away: 1-0

Rutgers will have its first true test of the season and it comes on the road in one of the loudest stadiums on earth. Their entire season has been predicated on smart football on offense combined with aggressive pressure on defense. They do cause turnovers, but the level of competition isn’t on the level of the Wolverines. Yes, Rutgers gets points for handling Delaware, but this is the Big House and things get out of hand fast.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

  • SU: 3-0
  • ATS: 3-0
  • O/U: 1-2
  • ATS - Home: 3-0
  • ATS - Away: 0-0

The nation’s top rushing attack will do just that, attack Rutgers over and over on the ground. Michigan will go up against another physical defense, but they’ve had great success so far, no matter who the team is lining up on the other side. Expect Michigan to have a struggle or two on some drives against a solid RU defense. The Wolverines will outscore their opponents on way more drives, as Rutgers inability to go downfield will catch up to their offense.


The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have covered the spread in four of their last five games, and five straight on the road. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Rutgers Scarlet Knights

  • Record: 3-0
  • VI Ranking: 66
  • Points Scored: 123
  • Points Allowed: 34
  • PS/G: 41 (21st)
  • PA/G: 11.3 (9th)

Inside the Stats - Michigan Wolverines

  • Record: 3-0
  • VI Ranking: 20
  • Points Scored: 141
  • Points Allowed: 34
  • PS/G: 47 (3rd)
  • PA/G: 11.3 (10th)

Key Players to Watch

  • RUTG: Bo Melton - WR (20 catches, 227 yards, 2 TD)
  • RUTG: Noah Vedral - QB (58/81, 606 yards, 4 TD)
  • MICH: Cade McNamara - QB (24/37, 371 yards, 3 TD)
  • MICH: Blake Corum - RB (48 carries, 407 yards, 7 TD)

Injuries

  • MICH: Ronnie Belt - WR (Knee-Out)
  • MICH: Zak Zinter - OL (Wrist-Questionable)
  • RUTG: Patrice Rene - DB (Undisclosed-Questionable)
  • RUTG: Max Melton - DB (Suspension-Out)

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Conclusion

Ball control and running backs usually lead us to an under play. The biggest factor involving the total could be Rutgers inability to slow down UM’s backs. To be fair, nobody has done that, and Rutgers hasn’t exactly shut down Top-25 talent. The Wolverines may score too many points and Rutgers won’t be able to keep up, as their offense doesn’t lend itself to big plays downfield.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends

  • Michigan has gone UNDER the point total in four of its last six home games.
  • Michigan has won four of its last five games.
  • Rutgers has covered the spread in five straight road games.
  • Rutgers has gone UNDER the point total in four of its last six games.