Rutgers at Minnesota - 2025 Matchup Preview
Rutgers logo   Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Minnesota Golden Gophers  Minnesota logo
Saturday, September 27th 2025 (12:00 PM EDT)
Minnesota -3.5 (51.5) (-175)  Open: -3.5
Minnesota 31 - Rutgers: 28  (Big Ten)

 
Scarlet Knights (5 - 7) (6 - 6 - 0)
Coach Greg Schiano (26 - 33)
Avg Score : 29 - 32 (19 - 34 on Road)
Record Prediction: 5 - 7 (#86)
'25 Opponents: (Elite: 4) (Good: 2) (Avg: 0) (Bad: 1)
MINN coming off BYE
RUTG is playing their 5th straight game
Our Line: Rutgers -1  (SP+ MINN -1)

Projected Score: RUTG: 26 - MINN: 25 (51)
MINN Win prob: 62% | Cover: 49%
RUTG Travel: 997 miles, 1 hrs ahead
Golden Gophers (8 - 5) (5 - 8 - 0)
Coach P. J. Fleck (57 - 39)
Avg Score : 23 - 23 (30 - 13 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 7.5 - 5.5 (#61)
'25 Opponents: (Elite: 3) (Good: 1) (Avg: 2) (Bad: 2)
 
Rutgers's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 8/28 Rutgers vs Ohio-11.546.5W 34 - 31ON
Sat 9/6 Rutgers vs Miami (OH)-15.545.5W 45 - 17OY
Sat 9/13 Rutgers vs Norfolk State-44.556.5W 60 - 10OY
Fri 9/19 Rutgers vs Iowa+2.546.5L 28 - 38ON
Sat 9/27 Rutgers at Minnesota+3.551.5L 28 - 31OY
BYE WEEK
Fri 10/10 Rutgers at Washington+9.562.5L 19 - 38UN
Sat 10/18 Rutgers vs Oregon+17.562.5L 10 - 56ON
Sat 10/25 Rutgers at Purdue+2.560.5W 27 - 24UY
Sat 11/1 Rutgers at Illinois+13.563.5L 13 - 35UN
Sat 11/8 Rutgers vs Maryland-1.556.5W 35 - 20UY
BYE WEEK
Sat 11/22 Rutgers at Ohio State+29.054.0L 9 - 42UN
Sat 11/29 Rutgers vs Penn State+14.555.5L 36 - 40OY

Total: Elite: 4, Good: 4, Avg 0, Bad 2, Poor 2
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 2, Avg 0, Bad 1, Poor 2
Future: Elite: 4, Good: 2, Avg 0, Bad 1, Poor 0
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 1, Poor: 2
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 2, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Rutgers's Schedule
Minnesota's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Thu 8/28 Minnesota vs Buffalo-16.545.5W 23 - 10UN
Sat 9/6 Minnesota vs Northwestern State-43.050.5W 66 - 0OY
Sat 9/13 Minnesota at California-3.041.5L 14 - 27UN
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/27 Minnesota vs Rutgers-3.551.5W 31 - 28ON
Sat 10/4 Minnesota at Ohio State+23.542.5L 3 - 42ON
Sat 10/11 Minnesota vs Purdue-7.549.5W 27 - 20UN
Fri 10/17 Minnesota vs Nebraska+7.047.5W 24 - 6UY
Sat 10/25 Minnesota at Iowa+7.539.5L 3 - 41ON
Sat 11/1 Minnesota vs Michigan State-4.544.5W 23 - 20UN
BYE WEEK
Fri 11/14 Minnesota at Oregon+26.545.5L 13 - 42ON
Sat 11/22 Minnesota vs Northwestern+4.041.0L 35 - 38OY
Sat 11/29 Minnesota vs Wisconsin+2.538.5W 17 - 7UY
Fri 12/26 Minnesota vs New Mexico-1.544.5W 20 - 17UY

Total: Elite: 3, Good: 2, Avg 3, Bad 3, Poor 1
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 1, Avg 1, Bad 1, Poor 1
Future: Elite: 3, Good: 1, Avg 2, Bad 2, Poor 0
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 1, Avg: 0, Bad: 1, Poor: 1
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 1, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Minnesota's Schedule
Important Stats (2024)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
RUTG#84 (.16)43% (67)28.744% (69)2.92 (88)16442% (63)1894.19 (44)#106 (.23)43% (85)31.848% (113)40% (59)4.03 (92)33.80.60.9
MINN#64 (.2)45% (39)2344% (65)2.7 (119)10346% (29)2044.38 (27)#16 (.08)39% (35)22.936% (8)42% (80)3.32 (23)35.60.81.5
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
RUTG0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
MINN0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2024
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
RUTG Offense1328.719.242.9%4.190.6213531641894.553%47%44%42%14%.16
MINN Defense1322.91338.9%3.321.5 - - - - - 50%50%36%42%19%.08
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
RUTG Defense1331.83443.3%4.030.9 - - - - - 46%54%48%40%15%.23
MINN Offense132330.144.9%4.380.8193071032043.744%56%44%46%16%.2

Additional Stats 2024
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
Rutgers1329:302143%48%3.933.80.60.93.71.5129.4
Minnesota1329:1318.545%90%4.535.60.81.54.41.8228.6
Run Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
RUTG Offense1353% (51)44% (69)36.8163.84.524 (45).1 (87)2.92 (88)76% (52)7% (11)0.91 (97)
MINN Defense1350% (63)36% (8) - - - - .02 (19)2.71 (22)74% (69)9% (90)0.95 (50)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
RUTG Defense1346% (18)48% (113) - - - - .26 (126)3.2 (99)82% (123)8% (115)1.07 (104)
MINN Offense1344% (111)44% (65)28.2102.93.717 (84).11 (80)2.7 (119)73% (69)10% (80)0.88 (113)

Pass Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
RUTG Offense1347% (88)42% (63)15.327.9189.26.812.417 (79)6 (10).25 (75)1.6 (63)30% (42)34% (37).42 (32)7% (108)2 (69)
MINN Defense1350% (71)42% (80) - - - - - - 16 (10).15 (27)1.3 (6)33% (43)26% (16).15 (10)10% (1)1.8 (20)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
RUTG Defense1354% (117)40% (59) - - - - - - 7 (104).23 (69)1.6 (82)33% (50)31% (75).32 (76)7% (49)2.2 (101)
MINN Offense1356% (25)46% (29)19.529.2204.1710.518 (68)5 (6).27 (58)1.4 (129)30% (46)31% (80).32 (76)6% (70)2 (75)

Rutgers's Power Ratings
Rutgers's Power Rating: 8.93  #44
Rutgers's Offense Rating: 25.92  #9
Rutgers's Defense Rating: 16.99  #94
2025 Talent Rating: 836.00  #45
Blue Chip Ratio: 3%  #65
Rutgers's 2025 Expected Record: 5.0 - 7.0
Rutgers's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: 1.0  #72
Rutgers's Offense SP+ Rating: 31.6  #39
Rutgers's Defense SP+ Rating: 30.7  #95

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 906.67
Average Power Five Talent: 877.82
Average FBS Talent: 715.76

Power Ratings Matchup
Rutgers: 8.93   Minnesota: 3.73

SP+ Ratings Matchup
Rutgers: 1.0   Minnesota: 1.5




Minnesota's Power Ratings
Minnesota's Power Rating: 3.73  #65
Minnesota's Offense Rating: 14.08  #62
Minnesota's Defense Rating: 13.12  #64
2025 Talent Rating: 928.00  #19
Blue Chip Ratio: 8  #44
Minnesota's 2025 Expected Record: 7.5 - 5.5
Minnesota's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: 1.5  #70
Minnesota's Offense SP+ Rating: 23.8  #94
Minnesota's Defense SP+ Rating: 20.8  #33

Average Talent
Average Big Ten Talent Rating is 906.67
Average Power Five Talent: 877.82
Average FBS Talent: 715.76


Rutgers Scoring
Offense: 28.7 PPG
Offense on Road: 19.2
Defense: 31.8 PPG
Defense on Road: 34

Rutgers's 2025 Record
Record: 5 - 7
Record vs Spread: 6 - 6 - 0
Over/Under Record: 7 - 5
Record on Road: 1 - 4
Record vs Spread on Road: 2 - 3 - 0
Record as Dog vs Spread: 3 - 5 - 0
Record as Road Dog vs Spread: 2 - 3 - 0
Projected Score
Rutgers 26
Minnesota 25


Projected Total Points: 51
Minnesota Scoring
Offense: 23 PPG
Offense at Home: 30.1
Defense: 22.9 PPG
Defense at Home: 13

Minnesota's 2025 Record
Record: 8 - 5
Record vs Spread: 5 - 8 - 0
Over/Under Record: 6 - 7
Record at home: 7 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 3 - 4 - 0
Record as Fav vs Spread: 2 - 5 - 0
Record as Home Fav vs Spread: 1 - 4 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202509/27Minnesota31Rutgers28Minnesota -3.5Rutgers51.5Over
202411/09Rutgers26Minnesota19Minnesota -6.5Rutgers44.5Over
202210/29Minnesota31Rutgers0Minnesota -14Minnesota40.5Under
201910/19Rutgers7Minnesota42Minnesota -28.5Minnesota46.0Over
201610/22Minnesota34Rutgers32Minnesota -21Rutgers45.0Over
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Minnesota424 Overs
Rutgers131 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams4 - 12 - 31 - 21 - 1
Road Teams1 - 43 - 21 - 12 - 1

(#44) RUTG at (#65) MINN
Overall StatsOvr
CategoryCatRUTGMINN
Net PPPPPPNRNR
Power RatePwr #44 #65
SP+SP+ #72 #70
Perf GradeGrade #47 #60
OffenseOff #6 #53
DefenseDef #133 #89
Spec TeamsST #111 #1
TalentTal #45 #19
Blue ChipsBC% #65 #44
Rutgers Notes
(12/5) Fired DC Robb Smith after 1 season, also Co-DC out
(9/23) Kaliakmanis leads CFB in big time throws vs TWP
(9/19) Pass Off & Kaliakmanis good but inconsistent
(9/19) WR have 3 solid weapons, RB Raymond good
(9/19) Defense torn to shreds by Iowa. Yes, Iowa
(8/29) Run Def alarmingly bad vs Ohio, lucky to win
(8/21) OT R Langsdale out for season, big loss
(6/10) OL 4/5 back. 5 portal adds, looks pretty good
(6/10) Def not great LY, returns a lot. 9 portal adds
(6/10) OL has top 10 exp, 87% of which returning
(5/15) DL added 5 portals, JMU's best DE & DT
(5/13) Def portals very productive, esp on the DL
Rutgers Injury Report
Minnesota Notes
(11/30) CB J Nestor was incredible vs Iowa, Does he return?
(11/22) This program is awful on road. Study why
(11/16) Gophers historically bad road season, L2 at home
(11/2) Outgained & outplayed by Mich St, Def torched
(10/27) Off horrific vs Iowa, 133 yds, 24 rushing, 3 TOs.
(10/18) Def dominated Neb w/ 9 sacks, held to 213 yds
(10/18) RB D Taylor breakout game, 148 yds, 6.2 ypc
(9/14) Rush Off disappointing, Red Zone issues hurt
(9/13) RB1 D Taylor doubtful for Cal (leg inj)
(8/29) QB Lindsey, RB Taylor as good as advertised
(5/26) Portal DE J Howard (LSU) a pot. gamewrecker
(5/23) Safeties Perich & Brown a top duo in CFB
Minnesota Injury Report
Rutgers on Offense
Balanced offense, Pass: 50%, Run: 49%
CategoryCat
RUTG OffMINN Def
PPPOffPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerf #6 #89
SuccessSuc #67 #35
ExplosiveExp #103 #19
PPAPPA #84 #16
PowerPwr #9 #64
SP+SP+ #39 #33
Pts POPPO #44 #23
HavocHav #38 #18
Rutgers Run Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 50%, Run: 49%
CategoryCat
RUTG OffMINN Def
Run GameRun #49 #82
Run SuccessRSuc #69 #8
Run ExplRExp #97 #50
PPAExp #87 #19
Run BlockR Blk #6 -
OL YdsOLY #88 #22
Stuff RateStuff #70 #73
TackleTak -  #86
Rutgers Pass Game
Balanced offense, Pass: 50%, Run: 49%
CategoryCat
RUTG OffMINN Def
Pass GamePass #7 #95
Pass SuccessPSuc #63 #80
Pass ExplPExl #63 #6
PPAExp #75 #27
Pass Rush/BlockP Blk #71 #93
F7 HavocF7 #11 #90
DB HavocDB #108 #1
Minnesota on Offense
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCatMINN OffRUTG Def
PPPDefPPPNRNR
Perf GradePerf #53 #133
SuccessSuc #39 #85
ExplosiveExp #122 #105
PPAPPA #64 #106
PowerPwr #62 #94
SP+SP+ #94 #95
Pts POPPO #27 #92
HavocHav #71 #85
Minnesota Run Game
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCat
MINN OffRUTG Def
Run GameRun #66 #133
Run SuccessRSuc #65 #113
Run ExplRExp #113 #104
PPAExp #80 #126
Run BlockR Blk #41 -
OL YdsOLY #119 #99
Stuff RateStuff #91 #78
TackleTak -  #73
Minnesota Pass Game
Pass heavy Offense 57%, Run: 41%
CategoryCatMINN OffRUTG Def
Pass GamePass #57 #117
Pass SuccessPSuc #29 #59
Pass ExplPExl #129 #82
PPAExp #58 #69
Pass Block/RushP Blk #54 #105
F7 HavocF7 #80 #115
DB HavocDB #70 #49
Program Comparison
MINN 5 Year Profile: Declining Below Avg P4
'25 Profile: Down to Top G5

RUTG 5 Year Profile: Consistent Top G5
'25 Profile: Remains Top G5

Weather Forecast
Playing in Huntington Bank Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°
Rematch from Week 5
Minnesota -3.5 (51.5)
Minnesota won vs Rutgers this year (31-28)

Previous Matchups
Minnesota beat Rutgers last year (31-28)
Rutgers beat Minnesota in 2024 (26-19)

  
RUTG's OC Kirk Ciarrocca (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Athan Kaliakmanis22936862%31242078.5
AJ Surace4944%58206.4
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Antwan Raymond2441241135.151
Ja'shon Benjamin6832824.819
CJ Campbell2211905.422
Samuel Brown V163802.49
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
KJ Duff601084718.172
Ian Strong52762514.745
DT Sheffield (Tr)44577513.154
Kenny Fletcher2623609.139

View Rutgers's Full Roster

RUTG's DC Robb Smith (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jett Elad (Tr)773011
Dariel Djabome676220
Kaj Sanders640001
Abram Wright531012
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Bradley Weaver (Tr)287331
Eric O'Neill (Tr)37103101
Dariel Djabome676220
Cam Miller (Tr)432105
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Cam Miller (Tr)432105
Bo Mascoe482004
Jacobie Henderson (Tr)393003

MINN's OC Greg Harbaugh Jr. (been OC for 3 years)
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Drake Lindsey24638963%23821866.1
Max Shikenjanski4580%801016.0
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Darius Taylor14367044.771
Fame Ijeboi9744124.549
Grant Washington2113206.316
Cameron Davis (Tr)3511123.214
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Lemeke Brockington46484410.524
Javon Tracy (Tr)37454612.345
Jalen Smith28419415.078
Darius Taylor3424507.240

View Minnesota's Full Roster

MINN's DC Danny Collins (in his first season)
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Maverick Baranowski1029331
Devon Williams899311
Koi Perich823102
Kerry Brown564003
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Anthony Smith38181373
Karter Menz329742
Jaxon Howard296410
Maverick Baranowski1029331
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
John Nestor (Tr)506006
Kerry Brown564003
Anthony Smith38181373