Howard University will face off against Rutgers University on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET, a game broadcasted on BTN. The BetMGM College Football Odds have not released a betting line for this matchup. Rutgers holds a 5-0 series record against Howard, making this game an interesting one to watch.

Rutgers is coming off its first winning season since 2014 and aims to continue its success in the expanded Big Ten Conference this season. Meanwhile, Howard is set to receive $425,000 for traveling to Piscataway, New Jersey for a game against a Power 4 school. The Scarlet Knights are keen on starting the season on the right foot.

Despite losing linebacker Mohamed Toure to a significant knee injury, Rutgers retains the majority of their defense, which was nationally ranked in the Top 20. They are poised to pose a challenge for Howard’s new quarterbacks, Ja’Shawn Scroggins and Zach Yeager. Howard, on the other hand, sees the return of key players like receiver Kasey Hawthorne and running backs Jarett Hunter and Eden James, aiming to support their new quarterback effectively.

Players to keep an eye on include DB Kenny Gallop Jr. from Howard, the defensive player of the year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2023, and Rutgers’ RB Kyle Monangai, who finished as the Big Ten rushing leader last season. Monangai is on the verge of reaching 2,000 career rushing yards.

Historically, Rutgers boasts a perfect record against Howard and MEAC teams, with coach Greg Schiano having a strong track record in home openers. The Scarlet Knights have also been successful in non-conference games. On the other side, Howard’s Coach Larry Scott led the team to consecutive MEAC titles, with Jarett Hunter standing out as the MEAC preseason pick for offensive player of the year.

This game between Howard and Rutgers presents an exciting opportunity for both teams to showcase their talent and start the season off on the right foot.