In Week 2 of the 2025 College Football season, the Miami (OH) RedHawks are set to challenge the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The game will take place at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM on Saturday, September 6. Fans can catch the action live on PEAC.
The Miami (OH) RedHawks enter this game with a 0-1 record, having faced a tough loss against the Wisconsin Badgers in Week 1. Despite their recent postseason success in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, the RedHawks need to bounce back after struggling offensively in their opener. As they hit the road again, improving on their 0-1 away record will be crucial.
On the other side, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are riding high following a narrow 34-31 victory over the Ohio Bobcats at home. With a 1-0 start to their season, Rutgers aims to maintain their winning momentum. Playing at their home stadium once more, the Scarlet Knights look to capitalize on their home-field advantage against Miami (OH).
Rutgers vs Miami (OH) At a Glance
- Game Venue: SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 3:30 PM
- TV Channel: PEAC
- Rutgers Record: 1-0
- Miami (OH) Record: 0-1
- Betting Odds: Rutgers Moneyline -703, Miami (OH) Moneyline +496
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights: A Season to Watch
Offensive Performance
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have kicked off the 2025 season with a solid offensive output, scoring 34 points in their opener, ranking them 25th in points scored. Their passing game, led by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, generated 252 yards, placing them 47th in the rankings. The rushing attack also delivered 171 yards, showcasing a balanced offensive approach.
Comparing to last season, the Scarlet Knights have shown progress in their offensive capabilities. In 2024, they concluded the regular season ranked 43rd in total points with 376 points scored. The improvement is notable as they aim to climb the ranks in both passing and rushing yardage this year.
Defensive Strategies
Defensively, Rutgers allowed 31 points in their first game of the season, positioning them 24th in points against. The defensive unit excelled in creating turnovers, with their interception and fumble recovery rates placing them among the top in the nation. Last season, they faced challenges, ranking 102nd in points against with 330, but have already shown signs of tightening up their defense this year.
Rutgers’ defensive prowess was on display as they managed to keep their opponents in check, especially in critical moments. With a focus on improving their sack rate, which was a strong point last season, the Scarlet Knights aim to maintain pressure on opposing offenses.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis played a pivotal role in Rutgers’ first win, throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was a bright spot, ranking 42nd in passing yards nationally. Running back Antwan Raymond contributed significantly with 88 rushing yards and a touchdown, underscoring his impact on the ground game.
Wide receivers DT Sheffield and KJ Duff were instrumental in the passing game, combining for 9 receptions, 139 yards, and two touchdowns. Their ability to create plays in the open field will be crucial for Rutgers as they face more challenging defenses throughout the season.
Upcoming Challenges
As Rutgers looks ahead, they have a series of home games that will test their consistency and resilience. The Scarlet Knights will host Miami (OH) RedHawks, Norfolk State Spartans, and Iowa Hawkeyes in the coming weeks. These games provide an opportunity to build on their early season success.
The away game against the Washington Huskies poses a significant challenge, as Rutgers will need to bring their A-game to secure a win on the road. This matchup will be a true test of their defensive strategies and offensive execution.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Night Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Totals ≥ 50: 1-0 (100.0%)
Miami (OH) RedHawks: A Deeper Look into Their Upcoming Game
Offensive Struggles
The Miami (OH) RedHawks struggled offensively in their first game of the season, failing to score against Wisconsin. They managed only 83 passing yards and 34 rushing yards, ranking them near the bottom in both categories. The offensive line struggled to create opportunities, resulting in just seven first downs.
Defensive Strengths
On the defensive side, the RedHawks showed promise despite the 17-0 loss. They ranked 13th in points allowed, conceding only 17 points against a strong Wisconsin team. Their ability to pressure the quarterback was evident with three sacks, ranking them fifth nationally.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Dequan Finn is expected to improve from his 83-yard performance against Wisconsin. Despite throwing two interceptions, Finn’s leadership will be crucial as the RedHawks look to bounce back. Running back Kenny Tracy, who gained 15 yards on the ground, will also be a key player as the team looks to establish a stronger rushing attack.
Wide receiver Cole Weaver showed potential with three receptions for 35 yards. His ability to create separation will be vital in stretching the field against future opponents. Lynel Billups-Williams and Deion Colzie are also expected to step up to provide Finn with more targets.
Upcoming Game Against Rutgers
The RedHawks will travel to SHI Stadium to play against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. This game offers Miami (OH) a chance to regroup and refine their strategy. Playing away from home, they will need to overcome the challenges presented by Rutgers’ home advantage.
The RedHawks’ defense will be tested once again, needing to contain Rutgers’ offensive threats. A focus on reducing turnovers and improving offensive efficiency will be key to their chances of success.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Totals ≤ 42: 0-1 (0.0%)
Both Rutgers and Miami (OH) have shown early season scoring potential, with Rutgers posting 34 points in their first game. This suggests they have a competent offense that can put points on the board, particularly against a defense that is not as strong as those in their conference.
Miami (OH), while struggling offensively in their first game with no points, managed to score 43 points in their last postseason game. This indicates that they have the capability to score against certain defenses, and they could find some success against Rutgers.
The over/under for this game is set at 45.5, which seems achievable given Rutgers’ ability to score and Miami (OH)’s potential to bounce back offensively. Rutgers’ defense allowed 31 points in their opener, which further supports the possibility of a higher scoring game.
Given these factors, the pick is to go with the Over 45.5. A projected final score of Rutgers 30 – Miami (OH) 20 supports this over pick.
- Rutgers vs Miami (OH) Prediction: Over 45.5
- Rutgers vs Miami (OH) Score: Rutgers 30 – Miami (OH) 20
