The ESPN Matchup Predictor favors Rutgers football against Temple
Expectations are high for Rutgers football following a strong showing in Week 1. Rutgers is now favored on Saturday night against Temple, but it by no means a lock according to ESPN.
The Matchup Predictor on ESPN has Rutgers a 70.9 percent to win on Saturday over Temple. Rutgers won their season opener on Sunday, beating Northwestern 24-7 at SHI Stadium.
It was a strong defensive performance by the Scarlet Knights, who were complemented by an offense that didn’t turn the ball over. Rutgers scored on their first three possessions, running out to a 17-0 lead at halftime.
Last year, Rutgers narrowly beat Temple 16-14 at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia). For Rutgers, the road win came after a Week 1 win at Boston College and then a blowout twin of Wagner in their home opener.
Temple showed a lot of resilience over the weekend in their own season-opening win. Down 21-10 at halftime, Temple shut out the Zips in the second half for a 24-21 win.
Rutgers is at a disadvantage, having started the season on a Sunday to accommodate the Big Ten’s broadcast partner, CBS. Temple comes into this game with an extra day of rest, having started their season on a Saturday afternoon.
