FanPost

Rutgers favored to start the season 2-0




When was the last time Rutgers started a season 2-0? You have to go back to 2014, Rutgers first season in the Big 10. Back then their two wins came against Washington State and Howard.

This year, Rutgers is looking to do it against Temple and Syracuse. Still not the best competition, but better than what they faced in 2014.

Odds

Rutgers is currently favored to win the game by 2 points. Just the smallest of margins heading into Saturday's game. Even the moneyline isn't that impressive.

Rutgers is given -130 odds, or an implied 56.5% chance of winning the game. Meanwhile, Syracuse is given +110 odds, or an implied 47.6% chance to pull off the upset.

What's worth noting here is that Rutgers is really close to a 5 point favorite, as the home team is usually given a -3 advantage by default. So, while their spread may not seem impressive, it is a clear indication that oddsmakers are favoring Rutgers here.

Matchup History

Rutgers and Syracuse have met 42 times in their histories. Syracuse has dominated the series to date with 29 wins to Rutgers 12, there was also 1 tie in 1914.

However, Rutgers has had the advantage lately. They've won the last two matchups between the teams, a 23-15 win in 2012 and a 19-16 win in 2011. In total, they've won 6 of the last 8 matchups between the two teams.

So, while Syracuse has dominated the series historically, it's been Rutgers who's gotten the better of the rivalry in recent history.

Conclusion

Rutgers hasn't been to a bowl game since 2014. This may be the year they get another chance. To do that though, they're going to need to rack up the wins before they head into conference play.

It's going to be tough to head into the Carrier Dome and look for a win, but these are the kinds of game they need. It's only going to get more difficult from here to pick up wins.

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