Betting Odds
Chas Dodd should be able to exploit the Bearcats secondary.
Total: 47
Cincinnati will not have QB Zach Collaros under center this week as sophomore Munchie Legaux gets his first career start. As a backup this season, Legaux has completed 53.6% of his passes and thrown a pick with no TDs. He will have to face a defense that leads the Big East in most defensive categories and ranks 11th in scoring defense, 5th in TOs forced (2.8 per game), 4th in INTs with 16 and are tied for 12th in sacks with 31, all nationally. Look for the Scarlet Knights to pressure Legaux into quick throws. RB Isaiah Pead is having a great year with 934 yards on the ground and 10 TDs. Cincy loses Collaros’ ability to run as he had totalled eight TDs on the ground himself.
Rutgers has had trouble running the ball as year as freshman RB Jawan Jamison leads the team with 547 yards and a paltry 3.3 yards-per-carry average. However, QB Chas Dodd has looked solid since his return, completing 63% of his passes. They are 5-1 with Dodd under center. Overall he has completed 56.7% of his passes and has a 9-6 TD/INT ratio. He also has a great weapon in WR Mohamed Sanu (94-973-7). Cincinnati ranks 114th nationally in pass defense and despite their poor running game, the Scarlet Knights should be able to move the chains via the air.
ATS Pick
Rutgers is at home and is a much better team with Dodd under center. Cincinnati can run the ball and stop the run but starting a new QB and an inability to stop the pass outweigh those positives. We like a home cover here for a live dog.
Take the Scarlet Knights +3
