Week 4 of the 2025 College Football season brings an exciting game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The game will take place at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ, with a kickoff scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Fans can catch all the action on FOX. Iowa enters the game with a 2-1 record, showing dominance at home but struggling on the road. Their recent performance includes a commanding 47-7 victory over Massachusetts, highlighting their strong offensive capabilities. However, they face a challenge as they play away from Kinnick Stadium where they’ve yet to secure a win this season. On the other side, Rutgers comes into the game undefeated with a 3-0 record, enjoying success at their home ground. The Scarlet Knights have demonstrated offensive firepower, particularly in their 60-10 win against Norfolk State. Both teams are part of the Big Ten Conference, setting the stage for an intriguing Friday night game under the lights.
Rutgers vs Iowa At a Glance
- Game Location: SHI Stadium in Piscataway, NJ
- Game Timing: Friday, September 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- TV Broadcast: FOX
- Current Records: Iowa Hawkeyes 2-1, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 3-0
- Moneyline Odds: Iowa -142, Rutgers +119
- Spread and Totals: Iowa -2.5 (-114), Rutgers +2.5 (-107), Over/Under 45.5
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Set to Challenge the Minnesota Golden Gophers
Golden Gophers: Offensive Overview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have shown consistent offensive capabilities this season. With a balanced approach, they have been able to effectively utilize both their passing and rushing games to keep defenses guessing.
The team’s offensive line has been pivotal in protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes, contributing to their overall success on the field. This balanced offensive approach will be crucial against Rutgers’ defense.
Key Players to Watch
Minnesota’s quarterback play has been a standout feature, with their signal-caller demonstrating accuracy and poise under pressure. His ability to connect with receivers in crucial moments has been a significant factor in the team’s offensive success.
On the ground, their running back has been a consistent performer, finding ways to gain yardage even against tough defensive lines. His presence adds another dimension to Minnesota’s attack that Rutgers must prepare for.
Defensive Strategies and Strengths
The Golden Gophers’ defense has been effective in shutting down opposing offenses, with a particular emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage. Their ability to apply pressure on the quarterback has disrupted many passing games.
In the secondary, Minnesota has shown a knack for creating turnovers, an aspect that could prove pivotal against Rutgers. Their defensive unit will aim to capitalize on any mistakes from the Scarlet Knights’ offense.
Recent Performance and Form
Minnesota has maintained a competitive form this season, with their recent performances highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. The team’s adaptability has been key to adjusting strategies mid-game.
Facing Rutgers, Minnesota will look to build on their recent successes while addressing any vulnerabilities that have been exposed in previous games. Consistency will be key in ensuring a positive result.
Betting Trends for the Golden Gophers
- Overall Performance: Minnesota has covered the spread in 5 of their last 7 games.
- Against the Spread (ATS) – Away Games: They have performed well, covering in 4 of their last 6 away games.
- Over/Under (O/U) Trends: The total has gone under in 6 of their last 8 games.
- ATS – Conference Games: Minnesota is 3-2 against the spread in their last 5 conference games.
- Performance Against Rutgers: In their last meeting with Rutgers, Minnesota secured a win by a margin of over 7 points.
Iowa Hawkeyes Set to Take on Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Team Overview
The Iowa Hawkeyes have shown a strong start to the 2025 season with a 2-1 record. Their latest game saw them securing a dominant 47-7 victory over the Massachusetts Minutemen. This win highlights their robust offensive capabilities, especially in their rushing game.
Currently, Iowa ranks 25th in rushing yards, having accumulated 642 yards this season. Their passing game, however, remains a point of concern as they are placed 119th in passing yards. The Hawkeyes’ defense is holding its ground, allowing only 30 points across three games, ranking them 16th in points against.
Key Players
Quarterback Mark Gronowski leads the team with 306 passing yards and three touchdowns in the season so far. Despite a lower passing yard rank, Gronowski has managed to maintain efficiency and minimize interceptions, throwing only one. His connection with wide receiver Seth Anderson, who has 40 receiving yards and two touchdowns, has been pivotal.
The rushing attack is spearheaded by Xavier Williams, who has racked up 186 rushing yards and one touchdown. His consistency on the ground provides Iowa with a balanced offensive strategy. On special teams, kicker Drew Stevens has been reliable, converting six field goals and ten extra points.
Defense Analysis
Iowa’s defense has been performing at a high level, especially in terms of sacks, where they rank 8th nationally. Their ability to recover fumbles has also been impressive, ranking 5th with one recovery. However, the defense has yet to secure an interception, which remains an area for potential improvement.
The team’s defensive resilience was evident in their games against Albany and Massachusetts, where they conceded only a combined 14 points. This is a testament to their disciplined and well-coordinated defensive unit.
Betting Trends
- After a loss, Iowa has a perfect record of 10-0 in their last 10 games from 2022 to 2025.
- As favorites, they hold a strong 22-5 record over the last 27 games from 2022 to 2025.
- In games with totals of 42 or less, Iowa is 9-1 in their last 10 games in 2024.
- Their away game record stands at 16-8 over the last 24 games from 2020 to 2025.
- Against the spread as favorites, they have a record of 15-12 in the last 27 games from 2022 to 2025.
Rutgers vs Iowa Prediction: Rutgers +2.5
The Iowa Hawkeyes enter this game with a 2-1 record, but they have struggled on the road, currently sitting at 0-1 away from home. Their offensive passing game ranks a lowly 119th in the country, which might make it challenging against a Rutgers team that has a strong defensive unit, especially at home. Iowa’s defense has been solid, allowing only 30 points this season, but the lack of interceptions could give Rutgers opportunities to exploit their secondary.
Rutgers, with a perfect 3-0 start, has been impressive at home, securing all three of their wins at SHI Stadium. The Scarlet Knights are currently 8th in the Big Ten standings, showing their competitive edge early in the season. Their offense ranks 10th in points scored and 24th in passing yards, which should provide a tough challenge for Iowa’s defense.
Given the strong home performances by Rutgers and Iowa’s struggles on the road, taking the Scarlet Knights with the points seems to be the value play. The trends also highlight Rutgers’s ability to cover the spread as underdogs, going 3-0 in such situations in 2024. Additionally, Rutgers’s offensive prowess and Iowa’s lack of interceptions suggest potential success for the Scarlet Knights in this matchup.
Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, a projected final score of Rutgers 27 – Iowa 20 supports taking Rutgers +2.5. The Scarlet Knights’ offensive capabilities and home advantage could prove decisive in securing a win.
- Rutgers vs Iowa Prediction: Rutgers +2.5
- Rutgers vs Iowa Score: Rutgers 27 – Iowa 20
