The Rutgers Scarlet Knights narrowly earned a 41-38 victory last season against the Washington State Cougars. Washington State was 7.5-point favorites in that one as they hosted Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights behind Paul James ran all over Washington State. Look for a similar situation here a year later.
ODDS
A line is yet to be released at BookMaker for this Saturday’s tilt between the Scarlet Knights and Cougars due to the unknown status of Wazzou starting quarterback Luke Falk who injured his shoulder last week.
Rutgers’ win on September 5 was the team’s third straight ATS, including the win over North Carolina in the Quick Lane Bowl. Over their last 14 games, they are now 9-5 ATS.
In losing in an upset to Portland State, despite being 30-point favorites, Washington State is now just 1-7 ATS in their last eight lined games.
KEY MISMATCH
The Washington State defense against any offense is a bit of a mismatch considering the Cougars allowed 41.9 points per game a season ago.
In their opener against Portland State, Washington State allowed 24 points to a I-AA school in defeat. Most notably, the Vikings ran for 233 yards against the Cougars on 48 carries.
Rutgers had a lot of turnover from its fourth straight Bowl team last year, but even with Chris Laviano under center for only four passes, the Scarlet Knights showed they could score against Norfolk State in Week 1.
In the game, Laviano completed all four of his passes for 138 yards and three touchdowns while James ran for 82 yards and Josh Hicks added 118 and two touchdowns.
KEY STAT
.250 – This is the percentage of third downs converted for Washington State against a school out of the Big Sky Conference in Week 1. The Scarlet Knights, for comparison, converted five of nine chances for a .556 percentage.
What really hurt the Cougars in third down opportunities was the running game. Washington State averaged 3.5 yards per carry and totaled just 104 yards.
BETTING ANGLE
If nothing else, the Cougars should be motivated after a 24-17 loss to Portland State at home, a team they should’ve beaten with ease.
Washington State will do whatever they can to leave a better impression in Week 2 and we did see some good signs from quarterback Luke Falk who completed 27-of-42 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
Offensively, it was the running game that lacked production.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Paul James had 29 carries for 173 yards and three touchdowns the last time the Scarlet Knights took on the Cougars and he should have success again on Saturday, given Washington State’s defensive struggles.
On the other side, the Cougars offense has been high-tempo since Mike Leach took over the helm and has been able to put points on the board. The issue, however, is they’re dealing with a lot of turnover from a season ago with a new quarterback and the team’s top two receivers gone.
I look for better execution by the Cougars, at least on offense, on Saturday, but that still won’t be enough against a Rutgers’ team that should be able to take advantages of Washington State’s numerous holes on defense.
Rutgers 45, Washington State 32
The college football lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker but this game remains off the board. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The Washington State Cougars and Rutgers Scarlet Knights square off on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. ET at High Point Solutions Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPNU.
