Washington vs Rutgers (Week 5): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

Washington vs Rutgers (Week 5): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

In a cross-country showdown between two Big Ten foes, the Washington Huskies travel to New Jersey to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Week 5. Both teams enter this matchup with a lot at stake, as they look to make an early statement in conference play. Washington has been better than expected, while Rutgers has proven to be a tough opponent at home. This Friday night clash on national television is sure to provide plenty of excitement.

Here’s everything you need to know, including where to watch, betting odds, and an in-depth analysis of the game.

How to Watch Washington vs Rutgers

  • Game Date: Friday, Week 5
  • Kickoff Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: Fox
  • Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ

The Washington Huskies make the long trip from the West Coast to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face Rutgers in a prime-time matchup. Fans can catch the game on Fox, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. SHI Stadium should provide a strong home-field advantage for the Scarlet Knights as they look to defend their turf.

Betting Odds and Line Breakdown

  • Spread: Rutgers -3
  • Moneyline: Washington +125, Rutgers -145
  • Total Points (Over/Under): 46

Rutgers is a slight 3-point favorite at home, while Washington comes in as a +125 underdog. The total points (over/under) is set at 46, suggesting that this will be a competitive game with moderate scoring.

Betting Spread

The spread is a reflection of how much a team is favored to win by. In this case, Rutgers is favored by 3 points, meaning they need to win by 4 or more points to cover the spread. A bet on Washington would require them to either win the game outright or lose by 2 points or fewer for your bet to cash. Given both teams’ solid starts, this game could easily go either way.

Moneyline

The moneyline is a simple wager on which team will win outright. Rutgers is the favorite at -145, meaning you’d need to bet $145 to win $100 if they win the game. Washington’s +125 moneyline means a $100 bet would earn $125 if they pull off the upset. The close odds suggest that this will be a tight contest, and Washington’s ability to perform on the road will be key.

Total Points (Over/Under)

The total points bet, also known as the over/under, is a wager on the combined score of both teams. For this game, the over/under is set at 46 points. Bettors can wager on whether the total score will be over or under that number. Given both teams’ slower tempo and defensive capabilities, the under is an attractive option for many bettors.

Implied Score and Game Analysis

With the 3-point spread and the over/under set at 46 points, the implied final score is around Rutgers 24, Washington 21. This suggests a hard-fought game that could be decided by just a few key plays.

Washington’s Offense vs. Rutgers’ Defense

Washington’s offense has been a pleasant surprise this season, particularly in the passing game. The Huskies rank 17th in EPA per dropback and 8th in offensive success rate, driven by their third-ranked passing success rate. Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been instrumental in spreading the ball around, creating explosive plays downfield.

However, Rutgers’ defense will present one of the toughest challenges Washington has faced so far. The Scarlet Knights rank 4th in pass play success rate allowed, and their secondary has been able to limit big plays. Rutgers will look to keep Washington’s potent passing attack in check, forcing them into longer drives and preventing quick scores.

Rutgers’ Offense vs. Washington’s Defense

Rutgers has shown improvements in the passing game, ranking 32nd in EPA per dropback. While not elite, this marks a significant step up for a team that has traditionally struggled in the passing game. However, Rutgers’ run game has been less effective, ranking 68th in EPA per rush.

Washington’s defense, while solid, is not as dominant as its offense. The Huskies have been effective at preventing explosive plays, ranking high in defending against big gains. Rutgers will need to lean on its improved passing attack to move the ball, but they may find it difficult to finish drives in the red zone against Washington’s bend-but-don’t-break defense.

Injury Report

  • Washington: Washington has no major injuries to report heading into this game, meaning they should have all their key players available for this cross-country battle.
  • Rutgers: Rutgers has dealt with some injuries in the linebacker corps, which could open up opportunities for Washington to exploit matchups in the middle of the field.

Detailed Game Breakdown

Key Matchup: Washington Passing Attack vs. Rutgers Secondary

The game could very well come down to how well Washington’s passing game can navigate Rutgers’ stout secondary. Michael Penix Jr. has been excellent this season, but he will be tested against a Rutgers defense that ranks 4th in passing success rate allowed. If Washington can exploit Rutgers’ weaknesses in the middle of the field and establish their passing game, they could put pressure on Rutgers early.

Travel and Scheduling Factors

One of the biggest factors in this game is Washington’s cross-country travel on a short week. Traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast is always a challenge, especially for a Friday night game. The time zone difference and shorter preparation time could play into Rutgers’ favor, as they have the advantage of staying home and following their normal routine.

Rutgers’ Balanced Attack

While Rutgers has shown improvement in the passing game, they are still a team that prefers to run the ball. Washington’s defense has been solid at stopping the run, so the Scarlet Knights may need to rely more heavily on their passing game to keep up with Washington’s high-powered offense. Rutgers will need to find a way to move the ball methodically and control the pace of the game to keep Washington’s offense off the field.

Betting Pick and Final Prediction

This game will likely come down to which team can impose its style of play. Washington’s passing attack has been highly efficient, but they’ll be up against one of the best secondaries they’ve faced this season. On the other hand, Rutgers will try to slow the game down and keep it close, relying on their defense to create stops and limit Washington’s explosive plays. The travel factor for Washington cannot be ignored, as cross-country trips can often affect performance, especially on a short week.

Prediction: Rutgers 23, Washington 20

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