Rutgers fans, it’s game week! The Scarlet Knights are set to start this season on Thursday at 6 p.m. at home vs UMass. Rutgers has been named heavy favorites over their week one opponents for some time now. As of Monday, August 31, Rutgers stands as 29.5-point favorites over UMass, according to FanDuel, with the over/under standing at 53.5 total points.
The large spread shouldn’t be much of a surprise since the Minutemen were one of the worst teams in the FBS last season and Rutgers has made some
strides in the off-season to improve their team overall compared to last year.
Last season, UMass went 0-12, losing to teams like Bryant (FCS) by a point and Temple by over 30 points. In addition, only two of their games were decided by one score or less. Even if they are better this season, that is a huge pit to start digging out of. ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Rutgers an over 92 percent chance to win.
UMass’ projected starting quarterback, William Watson III, is a Virginia Tech transfer who only threw two passes last year, of which he completed two for 77 yards. Their starting running back, Jordan Washington, is a transfer from Murray State, where he put up 86 rushes for 340 yards and three touchdowns. UMass’ leading tackler, Tyler Martin, is set to return for his senior season after recording 104 tackles and one interception last season.
The Scarlet Knights shouldn’t have much issue covering the spread if the offense gets going early. If it takes a quarter or two because of the new quarterback, that could put the spread in jeopardy. Even still, the Knights will have star running back Antwan Raymond to hand the ball off to behind a very underrated offensive line that should be able to clean up UMass’ front guys. On top of that, wide receiver KJ Duff will be a huge problem for whoever he is matched up against.
Rutgers’ defense will likely take some sort of step forward this season under a new coach and with the new transfers coming in. Coupled with the fact that UMass’ offense was so poor last season (they only broke 20 points twice), it becomes hard to imagine the Minutemen scoring more than 10 points in this game.
With both factors in mind, and the overall talent mismatch, it’s hard to see how Rutgers doesn’t win and cover this game.
Rutgers vs UMass will be broadcast live on BTN.
