Rutgers named 42.5-point favorite over Howard

Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights, have been given a 42.5-point point spread advantage over Howard, the Bison, in their upcoming matchup. This significant favorite stems from the Knights' improved performance against a high-powered opponent in their recent 42-35 loss to No.12 USC. The defense proved effective, standing up to an offensive powerhouse, while the offense found some groove, exposing USC’s weaker side.

This performance, coupled with the fact that Howard is a lower-tier FCS school, explains the heavy odds. The Knights' recent games against Boston College and UMass have been better than their earlier matchups, suggesting potential for improvement. It's worth noting that Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano believes the team could be in a different position if they replicated their USC performance throughout the season.

Howard, currently 1-2, has struggled since their season opener against Alabama A&M, suffering a 55-0 loss to Indiana. Their offense averages 160 passing yards and 80 rushing yards per game, yet they concedes an average of 34.33 points. Fans can expect a showdown between a team that has shown promise and a team that has been inconsistent.

The game is set to start at 7 p.m. at SHI Stadium on Friday, September 25, with live coverage on the Big Ten Network. Preceding the game will be the 16th annual Walk to Believe, led by Rutgers legend Eric Legrand.