© Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports

 

Spread Betting Preview: Howard Bison vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights College Football Prediction 

The 2024 college football season kicks off with an intriguing matchup between the Howard Bison and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The game will be played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, with a 3:00 PM EST kickoff. As Rutgers looks to start their season on a high note, Howard will be aiming to make a statement against a Power Five opponent. The Scarlet Knights are heavy favorites, with the spread set at -36.5 points. In this article, we will analyze the key factors influencing the spread and whether Rutgers can cover it against a Howard team eager to compete.

 

Game Information

• Date: August 29, 2024
• Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
• Time: 3:00 PM EST
• TV Coverage: BIG10 Network
• Line: Rutgers -36.5

Howard Bison: Underdogs Seeking an Upset

The Howard Bison enter the 2024 season with hopes of improving on their 2023 campaign, where they finished 5-6 overall. As an FCS program, Howard faces a significant challenge when stepping up in competition against an FBS opponent like Rutgers. Head Coach Larry Scott will need to have his team prepared both mentally and physically to handle the speed and size differential typically seen in matchups between FCS and Power Five teams.

Howard’s offense is led by quarterback Quinton Williams, a seasoned veteran who threw for 2,345 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Williams is known for his poise and ability to manage the game, but he will be facing a much tougher defense than he typically encounters in MEAC play. The Bison’s running game is anchored by running back Jarett Hunter, who rushed for 895 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023. Hunter’s ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be crucial if Howard hopes to sustain drives and keep the game within reach.

The Bison’s receiving corps is led by wide receiver Antoine Murray, who recorded 714 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Murray’s speed and route-running ability make him a dangerous weapon, but he will need to find ways to get open against a talented Rutgers secondary. The offensive line, which struggled at times last season, will need to step up in a big way to protect Williams and open up running lanes for Hunter.

Defensively, Howard will be tested by a Rutgers offense that has improved under Head Coach Greg Schiano. The Bison’s defense allowed 27.5 points per game last season, ranking in the middle of the pack in the MEAC. The defensive line, led by defensive tackle Darrian Brokenburr, will need to generate pressure on Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt to disrupt the Scarlet Knights’ passing game. The secondary, anchored by cornerback Ray Williams, will need to be on high alert against Rutgers’ receivers.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Heavy Favorites Looking to Dominate

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are coming off a 5-7 season in 2023 and are looking to start the 2024 campaign with a convincing win against Howard. Under the leadership of Head Coach Greg Schiano, Rutgers has shown improvement on both sides of the ball, and they enter this matchup as heavy favorites. Schiano’s emphasis on toughness, discipline, and physicality has been the cornerstone of the Scarlet Knights’ resurgence.

Rutgers’ offense is led by quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, who is expected to take a big step forward this season. Wimsatt threw for 1,875 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023, showing flashes of his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. With a full offseason under his belt, Wimsatt will be looking to improve his decision-making and accuracy, particularly in the short and intermediate passing game.

The Scarlet Knights’ running game is led by running back Sam Brown, who rushed for 1,014 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. Brown’s combination of speed and power makes him a difficult back to bring down, and he should find plenty of running room against a Howard defense that struggled against the run in 2023. The offensive line, anchored by left tackle Hollin Pierce, is a veteran group that excels in run blocking and will be key to establishing the ground game early.

Rutgers’ receiving corps is headlined by wide receiver Chris Long, who emerged as a reliable target for Wimsatt last season with 745 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. Tight end Johnny Langan, known for his versatility and strong hands, is also expected to play a significant role in the passing game. The Scarlet Knights’ offense, which averaged 20.8 points per game last season, will be looking to improve on those numbers against a Howard defense that is vulnerable against both the run and the pass.

Defensively, Rutgers is known for their aggressive, hard-hitting style. The Scarlet Knights allowed just 22.7 points per game in 2023, ranking in the top half of the Big Ten. The defensive line, led by defensive end Aaron Lewis, is capable of generating pressure without needing to blitz heavily, which allows the secondary to play tighter coverage. Linebacker Tyreem Powell, who led the team with 92 tackles last season, is a key playmaker who excels in both run defense and pass coverage. The secondary, anchored by cornerback Max Melton, is a disciplined unit that does not give up many big plays.

Advanced Metrics and Statistical Breakdown

Howard Bison

• Offensive Efficiency: Howard ranked 85th among FCS teams in Offensive Efficiency last season, according to SP+. The Bison averaged 5.2 yards per play and were effective in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 58% of their trips inside the 20-yard line.
• Defensive Efficiency: Howard ranked 78th in Defensive Efficiency, allowing 375.4 yards per game. Their inability to generate a consistent pass rush was a major weakness, as they recorded just 18 sacks all season.
• Turnover Margin: Howard finished the 2023 season with a -3 turnover margin, ranking 102nd among FCS teams. The Bison struggled with ball security, committing 21 turnovers, while their defense managed just 18 takeaways.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

• Offensive Efficiency: Rutgers ranked 86th in the FBS in Offensive Efficiency last season, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). The Scarlet Knights averaged 4.8 yards per play, with much of their offensive production coming on the ground.
• Defensive Efficiency: Rutgers ranked 43rd in Defensive Efficiency, allowing 349.2 yards per game. The Scarlet Knights excelled in third-down defense, holding opponents to a 36% conversion rate.
• Red Zone Performance: Rutgers scored touchdowns on 61% of their red zone trips, while their defense allowed touchdowns on just 54% of opponents' red zone opportunities, ranking in the top 30 nationally.

Coaching Analysis

Larry Scott (Howard)

Larry Scott is in his third season as the head coach of the Howard Bison. Scott, who has a background as an offensive coordinator and position coach at various FBS programs, has brought a level of stability and competitiveness to Howard’s football program. Under Scott’s leadership, the Bison have shown steady improvement, particularly on offense. However, Scott faces a significant challenge in preparing his team for a matchup against a Big Ten opponent like Rutgers.

Scott’s offensive philosophy is centered around a balanced attack that utilizes both the run and the pass. He has shown a willingness to adapt his game plan based on the strengths and weaknesses of his team and their opponents. Defensively, Scott has emphasized the importance of tackling fundamentals and playing sound, assignment-based football. Against Rutgers, Scott will need to have his team prepared to handle the physicality and speed of a Power Five opponent.

Greg Schiano (Rutgers)

Greg Schiano is in his second stint as the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, having previously led the program from 2001 to 2011. Schiano is known for his defensive expertise and ability to rebuild struggling programs. Since returning to Rutgers in 2020, Schiano has focused on instilling a culture of toughness, discipline, and accountability. Under his leadership, Rutgers has made significant strides, particularly on defense.

Schiano’s defensive philosophy is based on aggressive, physical play. His defenses are known for their ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers. Offensively, Schiano has adapted his approach to fit the strengths of his personnel, utilizing a balanced attack that emphasizes ball control and minimizing mistakes. Schiano’s experience and tactical acumen will be key in ensuring that Rutgers does not overlook an underdog like Howard.

Recent Performance

Howard Bison

Howard finished the 2023 season with a 5-6 record, including a 3-4 mark in MEAC play. The Bison showed flashes of potential, particularly in their wins over Delaware State and Morgan State. However, Howard struggled against stronger opponents, including a 45-13 loss to South Carolina State and a 41-14 defeat against North Carolina Central. The Bison’s inability to stop the run and generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks were major factors in their losses.

In their final game of the 2023 season, Howard defeated Norfolk State 31-27, showing resilience and the ability to close out a close game. The Bison’s offense was led by Quinton Williams, who threw for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Jarett Hunter rushed for 103 yards and a score. The win provided a positive note to end the season, but the Bison will need to improve significantly if they hope to compete against Rutgers.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights ended the 2023 season with a 5-7 record, narrowly missing out on bowl eligibility. Rutgers’ season was highlighted by a 24-21 upset win over Michigan State, a game in which their defense forced three turnovers and held the Spartans to just 96 rushing yards. However, the Scarlet Knights also suffered several lopsided losses, including a 41-17 defeat to Penn State and a 49-10 loss to Ohio State.

In their final game of the 2023 season, Rutgers lost to Maryland 28-21, despite a strong performance from Gavin Wimsatt, who threw for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Scarlet Knights’ defense struggled to contain Maryland’s passing attack, giving up 325 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. The loss was a disappointing end to a season that showed promise but ultimately fell short of expectations.

Head-to-Head Comparison

This game marks the first-ever meeting between Howard and Rutgers, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup. Rutgers, as a Big Ten program, enters the game as a heavy favorite against an FCS opponent in Howard. The key to this game will likely be Rutgers’ ability to dominate in the trenches and impose their will on both sides of the ball. If Rutgers can establish the run early and pressure Quinton Williams, they should be able to cover the large spread.

Howard’s best chance to keep the game close will be to control the clock with their running game and avoid turnovers. The Bison will need to play a near-perfect game to stay within striking distance, as the talent gap between the two teams is significant. Rutgers’ depth, size, and speed will likely prove too much for Howard to overcome, but the Bison will be looking to compete and gain valuable experience against a high-level opponent.

Betting Stats and Trends

• Howard Bison: The Bison are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games against FBS opponents. They have struggled to cover large spreads, particularly when playing against Power Five teams.
• Rutgers Scarlet Knights: The Scarlet Knights are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games as favorites. They have covered the spread in 3 of their last 4 games against non-conference opponents.
• Head-to-Head: This is the first meeting between Howard and Rutgers, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup.

Weather and Venue Considerations

SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, provides a familiar environment for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The weather forecast for August 29th calls for temperatures in the high 80s with clear skies, typical for late summer in New Jersey. These conditions are not expected to significantly impact the game, but the heat could play a factor in terms of player fatigue, particularly for Howard, which may lack the depth of their Power Five counterparts.

The home-field advantage of SHI Stadium, coupled with the energy of a season-opening crowd, could provide a boost for Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights have a strong record in season openers under Greg Schiano, and they will be looking to continue that trend against Howard. The venue’s intimate setting and passionate fan base make it a challenging place for visiting teams, particularly those from smaller programs like Howard.

Prediction