- Matchup: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Northwestern Wildcats
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Venue: Ryan Field, Evanston, IL
- Broadcast: Peacock
- Odds/Point Spread: Wildcats favored by 16.5
- Total Points Over/Under: 56.5
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
This matchup features the Northwestern Wildcats (5-1) hosting the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-4) at Ryan Field on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The Scarlet Knights are 16.5-point underdogs for this contest, with an over/under set at 56.5 points.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights enter this game with a season record of 2-4. In their most recent outing, they triumphed over the Maryland Terrapins, clinching a victory with a score of 37-30. During that game, they executed 74 plays totaling 442 yards. The Scarlet Knights rushed 39 times for 151 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. On defense, they allowed 115 rushing yards on 26 attempts, averaging 4.4 yards per rush. In the air, Rutgers permitted 19 completions on 38 attempts for 263 yards, achieving a completion percentage of 50.0%.
When it comes to scoring, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights average 31.2 points per game. They also average 137.5 rushing yards per game, placing them 99th in Division 1. So far this season, they have amassed a total of 2,420 yards. In terms of touchdowns, Rutgers has scored 16 through the air and 9 on the ground. The team has also achieved 130 first downs, with 24 penalties resulting in 172 yards lost. Additionally, they have committed 11 turnovers throughout the season.
Defensively, Rutgers ranks 119th in Division 1 for points allowed, giving up an average of 31.8 points per game. Opponents are averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 185.2 rushing yards per game against them, yielding a total of 1,111 rushing yards over 6 games. In terms of passing yards, Rutgers has allowed 1,304 yards, ranking them 58th in college football. They give up about 217.3 passing yards per game with a completion rate of 62.1%. Overall, their average defensive yardage allowed sits at 402.5 yards per game, ranking them 113th in Division 1. They have given up 12 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns.
The Northwestern Wildcats head into this game with a 5-1 record for the year. In their last match, they edged out the Michigan State Spartans with a narrow 24-21 victory. They allowed 27 rushing attempts for 89 yards (3.3 yards per carry). Northwestern’s secondary recorded a completion percentage against them of 63.3%, yielding 216 yards on 19 completions out of 30 passes. The Wildcats totaled 360 yards for the game, running 71 plays at an average of 5.1 yards per play. They averaged 3.2 yards per carry, finishing with 134 rushing yards on 42 attempts.
The Wildcats boast an offense that averages 424.5 yards per game, placing them 44th in college football. They have accumulated 329 yards in penalties from 45 infractions, ranking 52nd nationally. They are averaging 191.5 rushing yards per game, having totaled 1,149 rushing yards this season. The Wildcats have yet to throw an interception while losing 2 fumbles and achieving 135 first downs overall. In terms of scoring efficiency, Northwestern ranks 41st in Division 1, averaging 33.5 points per game. They have recorded 1,398 passing yards this season, averaging 233.0 yards per game, which ranks 67th in Division 1.
Defensively, Northwestern has given up a total of 825 rushing yards (137.5 yards per game) and has allowed 6 rushing touchdowns this season. They have also given up 6 passing touchdowns, allowing 230.5 passing yards per game, ranking them 100th nationally. To date, the Wildcats have conceded 102 total points. Their defense has recovered 3 fumbles and recorded 6 interceptions this campaign. Overall, the Wildcats defense has been on the field for 417 plays, ranking them 58th in the nation. They allow an average of 17.0 points per game, which places them 26th in college football.
Who will prevail in the upcoming college football showdown between the Scarlet Knights and Wildcats?
Prediction: Bet on the Wildcats -16.5
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
