Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Picks and Predictions November 9th 2024

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Minnesota Golden Gophers November 9th 2024

Minnesota is favored at -6.5 points as they head into this week 11 matchup against Rutgers, which is set to kick off at 12:00 ET from SHI Stadium in Piscataway. The over/under line is currently 46.5 points. The game will be broadcast on NBC, and the money line odds stand at -234 for the Gophers and +191 for the Scarlet Knights. Minnesota has a 6-3 record this season, while Rutgers is 4-4.

Minnesota vs. Rutgers Key Information

At 6-3, Minnesota is guaranteed bowl eligibility, but they have no chance of winning the Big Ten. They are 3-2 at home and 2-1 on the road this season. The Golden Gophers have been favored in four games, going 4-0 as the favorite.

Minnesota has a +10.8 average scoring margin and a 6-1-1 record against the spread. They are 3-0 ATS on the road and 3-1-1 at home, covering all four games as the favorite.

Their over/under record is 3-5, with an average line of 42.9 points. This week’s line is 46.5 points, higher than six of their games, with Minnesota’s contests averaging 44.3 points per game.

Minnesota’s offense is averaging 27.6 points per game, placing them 56th in the nation, and they are ranked 58th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 11. The Golden Gophers have leaned on their passing game, ranking 20th in completions and 35th in attempts. They are converting 47% of their third downs, which ranks 16th nationally, and they are 13th in completion percentage at 68.3%.

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Max Brosmer has thrown for 1,989 yards, with a passer rating of 98. He has 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Darius Taylor leads the rushing attack with 644 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5 yards per carry. Daniel Jackson has 642 receiving yards on 56 catches.

Minnesota’s defense has been strong this season, ranking 16th nationally by allowing just 16.8 points per game. In their recent game against Illinois, they gave up 17 points, allowing 352 total yards, including 126 rushing yards and 226 passing yards.

Opponents have averaged 121.1 rushing yards per game on 31.2 attempts against Minnesota. Through the air, Minnesota’s defense ranks 20th, giving up just 169.6 passing yards per game, with quarterbacks posting a 59.8 passer rating, the 7th-lowest in the country.

The Scarlet Knights Can Win If…

Rutgers comes into Week 11 with a 4-4 record, and they are ranked 63rd in our CFB power rankings. They have a 57.4% chance of becoming bowl-eligible. At home, they are 2-2, and they’ve been favored in four games this season, going 2-2 as the favorite.

Against the spread, Rutgers is 3-3-1, with a +1 average scoring margin. At home, they are 2-2 ATS, and they’ve gone 2-2 as the favorite.

The over/under record for Rutgers games is 5-2, with an average total of 50.5 points. Their average over/under line is 44.9 points, and this week’s line is set at 46.5 points.

Heading into week 11, Rutgers’ offense is averaging 25.8 points per game, placing them 66th nationally. They are ranked 56th in our offensive power rankings. Their rushing game is the focal point, with 39 attempts per game, averaging 182.5 yards on the ground.

Kyle Monangai leads the rushing attack with 931 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 yards per carry. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has 1,650 passing yards and 9 touchdowns, but his passer rating is 79, and he has thrown five interceptions. Rutgers ranks 91st in passing yards per game.

Rutgers’ defense will look to bounce back after giving up 42 points in their recent game against USC. They allowed 459 total yards, including 166 rushing yards and 293 passing yards, though they did manage to force three interceptions.

On the season, Rutgers is allowing 24.8 points per game. Opponents are averaging 168 rushing yards per game and 226.6 passing yards, completing 63% of their throws against the Scarlet Knights’ defense.

With the over/under line set at 46.5 points, we have a strong lean towards the over, as our score prediction for this Minnesota vs. Rutgers matchup is 31-21 in favor of the Gophers, which would put the combined score at 52 points. Minnesota comes into this game as -6.5 point favorites on the road. The Gophers have been playing well, and we expect them to cover the spread, as they are set to face a Rutgers team that has struggled to score points this season, averaging just 17.5 points per game. Minnesota’s defense is giving up 25.5 points per game, but they should be able to contain the Scarlet Knights’ offense.

Minnesota Prepares for Familiar Face at Quarterback in Big Ten Clash with Rutgers

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are gearing up for a familiar challenge as they face Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who previously played under head coach P.J. Fleck. As the Gophers seek their fifth consecutive win, Fleck is emphasizing improvement over nostalgia in the preparation for Saturday’s Big Ten showdown in Piscataway, N.J.

Minnesota’s Momentum: Seeking a Fifth Straight Win

Minnesota (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) is riding a four-game winning streak, showcasing resilience with three narrow victories and a decisive 48-23 win over Maryland. Last week, they topped then-No. 24 Illinois 25-17, a game that saw a late comeback powered by quarterback Max Brosmer’s 1-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Geers and kicker Dragan Kesich’s 46-yard field goal.

Quarterback Max Brosmer has been instrumental in Minnesota’s success, throwing seven of his 13 touchdowns over the past four games. His accuracy has been notable, with an 89-for-126 passing record, resulting in 895 yards during the winning stretch. As the Gophers work toward their seventh win, they’re aiming to improve on last season’s 6-7 record, which ended with Minnesota’s first losing campaign since 2017.

“The focus is on going to get this football team better,” Fleck said on Monday. “They’re going to work on being better.”

Facing a Familiar QB: Kaliakmanis’ Time with Minnesota

Saturday’s game holds added significance for Minnesota, as they prepare to face a former teammate in Athan Kaliakmanis. Kaliakmanis, who played for the Gophers in 2022 and 2023, threw for 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns in 12 games last season, serving as a key figure in the Minnesota offense.

However, Fleck is downplaying the emotional aspect of facing his former quarterback, maintaining that the team’s priority remains self-improvement.

Rutgers’ Challenges: Ending a Tough Streak

Rutgers (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten) is fighting to end a four-game losing streak, in which they have been outscored 133-66 since a victory over Washington on Sept. 27. During this slide, Kaliakmanis has faced significant challenges, including 10 sacks and four interceptions. Despite the pressure, he had a career performance in a 42-20 loss to USC, completing 27 of a career-high 47 attempts for 313 yards.

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Reflecting on his time with Minnesota, Kaliakmanis expressed gratitude but emphasized his commitment to Rutgers.

“I had a great time there,” Kaliakmanis said. “Respect to the coaches there. I’m just focused on where I’m at now, making friends here. I’m super grateful for the opportunity I had there, but I’m super grateful for the opportunity I have here.”

Key Factors to Watch

1. Brosmer’s Consistency: Minnesota will rely on Brosmer to continue his efficient play, as his ability to maintain poise under pressure has been crucial to their success during the winning streak.
2. Special Teams Execution: Minnesota’s Dragan Kesich has played a vital role with his consistent field goal contributions. As they prepare to face Rutgers, field goals could be key in what could be another close game.
3. Kaliakmanis’ Response: Facing his former team, Kaliakmanis will have the chance to lead Rutgers in a high-stakes game. His performance, particularly under pressure, will be crucial as Rutgers seeks to snap their losing streak.

With both teams aiming for growth, this matchup could be a defining moment in their respective seasons. Minnesota hopes to carry their momentum forward, while Rutgers aims to turn the tide and end a challenging streak with a home victory.