Ohio Bobcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights 8/28/2025 Free Pick & CFB Betting Prediction

Free NCAA Pick: Ohio vs Rutgers Odds

Looking for Ohio Bobcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights free NCAA Week 1 picks & NCAA odds? NCAA betting sees the Bobcats taking on the Scarlet Knights on Thursday, August 28 at SHI Stadium (NJ). Cappers Picks provides complimentary NCAA handicapping picks all season long including all NCAA Week 1 games so stay tuned for more FREE NCAA predictions like this Ohio Rutgers matchup.

2024 NCAAF Handicapping Analysis: Week 1

(0-0) Ohio Bobcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-0)
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 6:00PM
Venue: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey
Week 1 ATS Betting Lines: (BET NOW!) Ohio +14.5 | Rutgers -14.5
Week 1 CFB Moneyline Odds: Ohio +410 | Rutgers-550
College Football Betting Total: O/U 46.5

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With the way things are trending, it is getting harder and harder for MAC teams to “bag” a Big Ten win anymore. This could be a spot, though.

Ohio won 11 games last season and are expected to be among the better team in the MAC this year. Like so many programs holding on to their players is key.

Rutgers has become solid in the Big Ten but breaking through in that league seems next to impossible. That puts pressure on them for games like this.

The line on this one is probably accurate though hard to really tell in a Week 1 situation. That hook is key.

Situated on the Thurdsay, this game will probably see more betting action than it would if it were on Saturday.

I am sure lots of folks are going to include Rutgers in their moneyline parlays, or tease it under the magic number of 14.

Ohio Bobcats

Parker Navarro is a true double theat quarterback, just the kind of guy you need when you want to pull an upset because he can beat you in multiple ways.

The skill positins look more than capable this season, if a line that replaces four starters can hold up against a physical team like Rutgers.

The same concern is up front for the Bobcats on defense where nobody from the front seven is a returning starter. The Scarlet Knights will definitely test their readiness in the opener.

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Ohio Bobcats Stats

Ohio was great last season, ending with an 11-3 record and a Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship. The Bobcats finished the season on a seven-game winning streak, including a 38-3 victory over Miami in the MAC Championship game and a 30-27 win against Jacksonville State in the Cure Bowl.

The team’s success was built on a strong rushing offense and a stingy defense. The Bobcats averaged 29.3 points per game while only allowing 18.1 points per game, ranking 13th in the FBS for opponent points per game.

The Bobcats’ defense was a key factor in their championship season. The unit held opponents to under 20 points per game and was effective at stopping the run, allowing just 90.6 rushing yards per game. It will be tested on Thursday.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

In his second tour, I think it is fair to say that Greg Schiano has stabilized the Rutgers program. If they win the games they are supposed to a retun to a bowl is likely.

They want to be a strong running team but with their top back now in the NFL they may want to lean more on senior QB Athan Kaliakmanis.

That might also be a necessity as their is little returning on the defense side of the balls so more points are likely to be required. They have to get off to a good start because their Big Ten schedule is brutal, they play Oregon, Ohio State and Penns State, the last two back to back to close the year.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Stats

Rutgers finished with a 7-6 record last year (4-5 in the Big Ten). Believe it or not they scored the fourth-most in school history averaging 28.9 points per game, placing them sixth in the Big Ten for scoring offense.

The Rutgers rushing attack was particularly strong, ranking third in the Big Ten with an average of 175.3 yards per game. The ground game was spearheaded by running back Kyle Monangai, who had an All-America season.

Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 2,696 yards and 18 touchdowns

On the defensive side, the Scarlet Knights held opponents to 25.4 points per game and had a positive turnover margin, forcing more turnovers than they gave up.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends

• Ohio is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
• Also, the total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ohio’s last 6 games.
• Ohio is 7-0 SU in its last 7 games.
• The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Ohio’s last 13 games on the road.
• Rutgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games.
• Additionally, the total has gone OVER in 7 of Rutgers’ last 8 games.
• Rutgers is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rutgers’ last 6 games at home.

4* Free 2024 Week 1 NCAA Betting Prediction: Ohio Over 16.5 Points -120

I like the Ohio offense to have able to have success against Rutgers in the opener. They will move the ball and score some points.

Meanwhile, Fresno State is rebuilding under Matt Entz with QB EJ Warner leading a new-look unit, but Kansas’ defense is vulnerable enough to give them scoring chances.

Last year they opened on the road against a Power 4 opponent and they scored 22 points in a loss at Syracuse. I see this game similarly though I might give them more of a chance to win on Thursday.

They know what they have at quarterback and the ability of Navarro to run around is going to be key.

Plus they have had all offseason to get the team ready for this one, including being prepared for the increase in physicality

Back the Ohio over 16.5 points.

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Fresno State Ohio vs. Rutgers NCAA Betting Tweet Of The Day

Our updated B1G power rankings https://t.co/gPGtGJWmgy pic.twitter.com/b8ltT6Wy1G

— Saturday Tradition (@Tradition) October 30, 2023

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About Matthew Wiesenfeld

For nearly a two decades the Wiesguy has been helping readers learn and win. Hailing from Toronto, Canada he is a true expert. He is always a little sweet on the underdogs while covering all sports to give you the insight you need to build your bankroll.

Filed Under: College Football