Rutgers vs Minnesota Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 27, 2025

By: David Anicetti Updated 09/27/2025, 01:35 AM ET

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights visit Huntington Bank Stadium to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten matchup on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET on BTN. Rutgers is 3–1 overall and 0–1 in Big 10 play after a 38–28 loss to Iowa last week. Minnesota is 2–1 and will open conference play after falling 27–14 on the road at Cal. From underdogs to point spreads, we’ve got your back with free college football picks.

Rutgers Preview

Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has played well, completing 69% of his passes for 1,150 yards with seven touchdowns and only one interception. Kaliakmanis has spread the ball to several targets, with Ian Strong leading at 367 receiving yards and DT Sheffield adding 252 yards and two scores. Running back Antwan Raymond leads Rutgers, rushing for 310 yards and seven touchdowns at a 5.1 yards per carry average. Rutgers has shown the ability to move the ball in multiple ways, but the offensive line has allowed 10 sacks through four games.

On defense, the Scarlet Knights have created timely plays. Jett Elad leads the team with 23 tackles and also has an interception, while Bo Mascoe added a 68-yard interception return earlier in the season. Eric O’Neill has 1.5 sacks, part of a front that has produced six overall. Special teams have been steady, with kicker Jai Patel connecting on five of seven field goals, including a long of 44 yards.

Minnesota Preview

Minnesota has spread its offense between the young arm of its quarterback and a rotation of running backs. Drake Lindsey has thrown for 721 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions, averaging 8.6 yards per attempt with a long completion of 60 yards. The ground game has been productive, with Darius Taylor rushing for 161 yards, Fame Ijeboi adding 136, and Cam Davis scoring twice. Receiver Javon Tracy has been the favorite target of Lindsey, totaling 150 yards on only six catches.

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Defensively, the Golden Gophers bring pressure and force turnovers. Anthony Smith leads the pass rush with 3.0 sacks, part of a unit that has totaled seven. John Nestor has two interceptions, and linebacker Maverick Baranowski leads the team with 19 tackles. The combination of a disruptive defensive front and an opportunistic secondary is the strength that could control Rutgers’ passing attack.

Rutgers vs Minnesota Prediction

This game has the feel of a close, lower-scoring Big Ten contest. Rutgers has a more proven offense, but Minnesota’s defense at home creates an advantage in this matchup. The Golden Gophers will win by maintaining pressure from their front seven on the Rutgers offense, while on offense, maintaining sustained drives. Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Golden Gophers win and cover ATS 23-17.