The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Purdue Boilermakers are both 0-4 in Big Ten play so far this college football season. But one of them is guaranteed to get a win in conference play on Saturday as they face off in West Lafayette. This game is close to a pick ’em and should be an interesting one, even if both teams have struggled this year. Before the action begins in the Big Ten, continue reading to get my Rutgers vs Purdue prediction.
Our Rutgers vs Purdue Pick
- Pick: Purdue Moneyline
- Confidence: 3/5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Purdue Boilermakers
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, 12:00 PM ET
- Venue: Ross‑Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN
- Broadcast: Big Ten Network
Key Storylines
Both of these squads have underwhelmed and are hunting for momentum before facing tougher Big Ten competition to close out their seasons. Rutgers began the year 3‑0, but has since run into a wall with four straight losses in Big Ten play. Their most recent loss was a punishing 56‑10 defeat at the hands of the Oregon Ducks. The Rutgers run game is led by Antwan Raymond with 615 yards and nine touchdowns. That facet of the Rutgers offense could give them the upper hand in this matchup.
Purdue’s problems have been consistent on offense this year. They were shut out 19‑0 in their last outing against the Northwestern Wildcats and QB Ryan Browne is reportedly doubtful with a shoulder injury here. The Boilermakers rank near the bottom of the country in total defense and are going to need that side of the ball to step up if they want a win here.
Quarterback Play
Rutgers’ Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown for 1,864 yards on a 62.4% completion rate along with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He is coming off a disastrous outing against Oregon where he managed only 79 passing yards and two picks. He will need to be better if the Scarlet Knights are going to get their first Big Ten win of the season.
Purdue’s Ryan Browne has thrown for 1,572 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions on the season. But his health is in doubt going into this game. Backup Malachi Singleton stepped in last week but could struggle without a ton of game reps.
Betting Trends
- Rutgers is 3-4 against the spread this season.
- Purdue is 2-4-1 against the spread for the year.
- The Scarlet Knights have seen six of their first seven games this season go over their totals.
- Five of Purdue’s first seven games have gone under their totals.
Rutgers vs Purdue Model Projection
Score Projection: Rutgers 21 – Purdue 24
Win Probability: Rutgers 50%, Purdue 50%
Final Thoughts
I’m not sure that either of these teams can be trusted to play a solid 60 minutes of football right now. But if I had to take a side in this matchup, it would be Purdue. The quarterback injury situation isn’t a huge deal in my eyes, given how bad Purdue was offensively with Browne in there. It’s not like Purdue is going to score a negative point total here. I’ll take my chances with the Boilermakers.
