Rutgers vs. Minnesota Prediction and Picks for Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Two mid-tier Big Ten teams clash on Saturday in this battle between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-1, 0-1 B1G) and the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1, 0-0 B1G). We’ve got you covered with our Rutgers vs. Minnesota prediction. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 ET from Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Looking to win big this football season? We have the best College Football Picks to help you out!
Scarlet Knights Drop B1G Opener
Coach Greg Schiano is back for his 17th season as the head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and this year’s group is off to a 3-1 start. They opened up the season with non-conference victories over Ohio (34-31), Miami (OH) (45-17), and Norfolk State (60-10), but then dropped their Big Ten opener at home against Iowa (38-28) last Friday. The Scarlet Knights are now 2-2 ATS and they’ve gone 4-0 to the over this season.
In terms of personnel, it’s veteran quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis leading the offense this season. The senior has amassed 1,150 passing yards on a 68.8% completion rate, while adding seven touchdowns and one interception. WR Ian Strong has emerged as his top target, hauling in 24 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns. RB Antwan Raymond leads the rushing attack with 310 yards and seven touchdowns on 61 totes (5.1 YPC).
- Rutgers’ updated win total sits at just 5.5 (-110/-120) entering week 5.
- Offensively, the Scarlet Knights are scoring 35.7 points per game (24th), while averaging 406.7 yards per week (50th).
- Defensively, they are 80th in the country this year, conceding 28.7 points per game. They’re allowing 384.7 yards per contest, which is 66th.
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Golden Gophers Handled By Bears
As for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, they’re now in the ninth year of the P.J. Fleck regime. The skipper has posted a 60-40 (34-36 B1G) mark during his time in the Twin Cities. That includes this year’s 2-1 start, which has seen Minnesota beat Buffalo (23-10) and Northwestern State (66-0), before losing on the road against California (27-14) last time out. The Gophers are coming off of a bye week, so they’ll be well-rested for the week 5 conference opener against Rutgers. They’re 1-2 ATS this season and 2-1 to the under.
It’s a similar cast of skilled players for Minnesota this season, and the group is led by redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey. He has thrown for 634 yards on a 60.5% completion rate, adding four touchdowns and two picks. RB Darius Taylor has handled the rushing workload, going for 161 yards on 33 carries (4.9 YPC). WRs Javon Tracy (150 yards, 1 TD) and Le’Meke Brockington (136 yards) are the top targets out wide. Taylor could be out this week after suffering an injury against Northwestern State.
- The Gophers have a win total of 6.5 (-105/-125) entering the week, and they’re priced at +13000 to win the Big Ten title.
- Minnesota’s offense has been subpar this season, ranking 97th in scoring (18.5 PPG), while putting up 389.0 yards per game (57th).
- On the defensive side, the Gophers are 28th this season, allowing 18.5 points per game. In terms of yardage, they’re sixth, conceding 245.5 yards per contest.
Rutgers vs. Minnesota Pick
Spread Pick for Rutgers vs. Minnesota
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights +5.5 (-112) (5 units)
This spread is a bit of a shocker to me. I thought maybe we’d see Minnesota as high as 2.5-point favorites, solely based on their edge in home-field advantage. With that being said, I will gladly take the 5.5 points with Rutgers in this game.
There are a couple of reasons why I like Rutgers in this spot. They have a sizable edge in quarterback play with Athan Kaliakmanis. He’s a redshirt senior with over 6,600 career passing yards. He has fixed his turnover issues from the past, as he owns a 7/1 TD/INT ratio this season. Rutgers’ ability to pass the ball successfully is going to allow them to keep this game within a possession against a youthful Minnesota quarterback in Drake Lindsey. The Gophers are only scoring 18.5 points per game against FBS-level opponents this season. I like Rutgers to keep this game within the number.
Over/Under Pick for Rutgers vs. Minnesota
- Under 51.5 (-114) (5 units)
Minnesota has played two FBS opponents this year, and neither of those games has seen more than 41 points. Offensively, the Gophers are averaging only 18.5 points per game in those two contests against Buffalo (W: 23-10) and California (L: 27-14). Rutgers isn’t great defensively, but they should be able to stifle this Minnesota offense that’s putting up a pedestrian 389.0 yards per game (57th).
On the flip side, Minnesota’s defense has looked sharp this year. They blanked FCS Northwestern State 66-0 and are allowing only 18.5 points per game in FBS games. P.J. Fleck’s crew has seen four of their last five games go under the total. All things considered, this total feels a bit inflated. I think we land in the 24-20 range and finish comfortably under the number.
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