Winless Rutgers is laying 42.5 points against Howard, creating a rare record-versus-rating clash. The Scarlet Knights own the talent edge, but Howard enters rested while Rutgers comes off a physical USC game on a six-day turnaround.
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Injury Report
Howard has no injuries currently listed for the matchup. Rutgers cornerback Kevin Levy missed USC with an undisclosed issue and was targeting Howard as his next possible return. Wideout Famah Toure had been dealing with a knee issue but was cleared for USC. More importantly for the offense, Antwan Raymond and Dylan Lonergan both played against USC after carrying prior injury tags.
Key Players
Key Matchup Edge
Rutgers owns the clearest edge through the air. Howard has surrendered 724 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns in three games, while KJ Duff already has 419 yards and six scores. If Rutgers protects the football, Howard's secondary faces repeated high-leverage snaps against one of the nation's most productive receivers.
3 Things to Watch
- Rutgers turnover count under pressure
- Howard protection against Rutgers front
- Duff red-zone usage and targets
Betting Breakdown
Rutgers enters 0-3, but the market is still asking the Scarlet Knights to win by more than six touchdowns, with the spread around -42.5 and the total 54.5. That number is driven by matchup quality rather than record. Rutgers just generated 460 yards and 35 points against USC, and KJ Duff has 419 receiving yards with six touchdowns through three games. Howard, meanwhile, allowed 505 yards and six passing touchdowns in a 55-0 loss at Indiana, then used a bye before this trip. The Bison's extra rest matters against a Rutgers team playing six days after USC, especially because the Scarlet Knights are allowing 420 yards per game and have thrown nine interceptions. Still, Howard's offense managed only 57 total yards at Indiana, making sustained drives the central concern for an underdog carrying 42.5 points. Rutgers has won all six prior meetings, but Howard covered 39.5 in the 44-7 loss in 2024. Bettors are balancing Rutgers' explosive skill talent against a very demanding margin.
Howard Betting Outlook
Howard is 1-2 after beating Alabama A&M 31-24, losing 28-21 to Richmond and getting shut out 55-0 at Indiana. The Bison have produced 475 passing yards and 258 rushing yards through three games, with quarterback Ja'Shawn Scroggins accounting for 467 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. The concern is protection and efficiency against Big Ten speed: Howard finished with only 57 total yards at Indiana and 0.48 yards per rush. Defensively, the Bison have allowed 724 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns, including six through the air at Indiana. Howard did cover the massive 57.5-point spread in Bloomington, so the current 42.5-point cushion is the betting case despite the talent gap.
Rutgers Betting Outlook
Rutgers is 0-3, yet its offense showed real life against USC with 460 yards, 35 points and five touchdown drives of at least 75 yards. KJ Duff remains the centerpiece, averaging 139.7 receiving yards with six touchdowns, while Antwan Raymond has rushed for 298 yards and topped 100 in consecutive games. The problem has been self-inflicted damage: Rutgers has thrown nine interceptions in three games and is allowing 420 total yards per contest. The Scarlet Knights are 1-2 ATS, with their first cover coming as a 21.5-point underdog against USC. As a 42.5-point favorite here, Rutgers needs offensive efficiency and fewer turnovers to turn a clear matchup edge into a margin large enough to cover.
Latest Team Buzz
Final from Indiana.
— HOWARD FOOTBALL (@HUBISONFOOTBALL) September 12, 2026
We travel to New Jersey to face Rutgers on Friday Sept.25th at 7:00pm#win360🦬🏈 #howarduniversity pic.twitter.com/L75ORmdENs
Final pic.twitter.com/QKBxuGbhNy
— Rutgers Football 🪓 (@RFootball) September 19, 2026
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You can watch this game on Big Ten Network. For the latest broadcast details, see Where to Watch.
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What is the biggest matchup edge for Howard Bison vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights?
Rutgers owns the clearest edge through the air. Howard has surrendered 724 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns in three games, while KJ Duff already has 419 yards and six scores. If Rutgers protects the football, Howard's secondary faces repeated high-leverage snaps against one of the nation's most productive receivers.
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