Howard Bison vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Predictions

Matchup outlook

Rutgers should beat Howard on Friday night, but the SPF spread requires the Scarlet Knights to win by at least 44 points. Howard University Athletics reports that Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan has thrown for 494 yards and five touchdowns through three games. Receiver KJ Duff has 419 yards and six touchdowns, while running back Antwan Raymond has gained 296 yards on 62 carries.

Howard enters 1-2 after a bye, with its last game a 55-0 loss at No. 5 Indiana. Rutgers is 0-3 after a 42-35 home loss to No. 12 USC. The Scarlet Knights have won all six meetings, though their latest victory, 44-7 in 2024, would not have covered the current -43.5 spread.

Howard quarterback Ja'Shawn Scroggins has passed for 467 yards and four touchdowns while adding 79 yards on 31 carries. Those numbers identify Howard’s main offensive option, but the available information doesn’t include enough defensive or drive-level data to show whether the Bison can stay within the spread.

Betting outlook

SPF lists Rutgers at -43.5 and the total at 56.5, with over -108 and under -112. No moneyline is available. There is no verified injury report, line movement or defensive data, so neither the large spread nor the total has a sound betting case.

Rutgers is the likely winner, but that is different from recommending the Scarlet Knights to cover 43.5 points. Pass.