Eric Boggs 
Rutgers kicks off their season Thursday night.
As Rutgers prepares to face Howard, many are debating whether the Scarlet Knights can cover the sizable 35.5-point spread. While a spread this large might seem daunting, there are several compelling reasons to believe Rutgers can meet, if not exceed, these expectations.
1. Historical Dominance Over Howard
Rutgers has a track record of success against Howard, most notably a 52-14 victory in 2016. That win came during a challenging season for Rutgers, which finished with just two wins. Despite being in a rebuilding phase, the Scarlet Knights still managed to dominate the Bison by a wide margin. With a stronger team in 2024, Rutgers is well-positioned to replicate or even surpass that performance.
2. Defensive Strength
Rutgers boasts a solid defense that should stifle Howard’s offensive efforts. Even with the absence of Mohamed Toure, the Scarlet Knights have a wealth of talent, including standout players like Aaron Lewis, Flip Dixon, and Desmond Igbenoson. This defensive unit is expected to limit Howard’s scoring opportunities, making it easier for Rutgers to build and maintain a substantial lead.
3. Offensive Firepower
On the offensive side, Rutgers is equipped with a powerful rushing attack led by Samuel Brown and Monangai. The team’s new quarterback, Ethan Kaliak Manis, though still developing chemistry with his receivers, has the potential to exploit Howard’s defense. If the Scarlet Knights can establish a strong running game and mix in effective passing plays, they should have little trouble putting up points quickly.
4. Motivation and Momentum
This game marks the beginning of a new season, and Rutgers is coming in with significant momentum. The team is looking to start strong, and a commanding win over an FCS opponent like Howard would set the tone. Head coach Greg Schiano understands the importance of making a statement, especially with a new quarterback at the helm. Rutgers might keep the pressure on Howard longer than usual in order to build confidence and cohesion within the team.
5. Howard’s Recent Struggles
Howard’s recent performance against other strong teams also suggests that they might struggle to keep pace with Rutgers. Last season, Howard lost 48-7 to Harvard, a team that, while strong, doesn’t play at the same level as a Big Ten school like Rutgers. This result hints at the Bison’s difficulty in competing against more formidable opponents, which could be the case again against the Scarlet Knights.
6. Special Teams and Defensive Scoring
Covering such a large spread often requires contributions beyond the offense, and Rutgers has the capability to score in multiple phases of the game. The possibility of defensive scores, special teams plays, or turnovers leading to easy points is high. These additional scoring opportunities could help Rutgers surpass the 35.5-point spread.
While covering a 35.5-point spread is never guaranteed, the factors in Rutgers’ favor are significant. Historical precedent, defensive superiority, offensive potential, and the overall disparity between the two programs suggest that Rutgers has a strong chance of covering the spread against Howard. For those considering this bet, the Scarlet Knights’ potential to dominate on both sides of the ball makes them a viable pick.
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