Pinstripe Bowl – Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Miami Hurricanes Free Picks
Knights and ‘Canes fail to finish the season strong

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights were fortunate to hit the six-win mark after a 31-24 win against Indiana Hoosiers on October 21st. With three of the nation’s top teams on deck, it was a good thing they secured that win because it was the last taste of victory Rutgers would experience, even though Maryland and Iowa were winnable games.
Miami lost three of their last four college football games and failed to cover three of their previous five. Yes, this is a game of who will finish the season worse. The betting public is all over Rutgers after opening Miami -4.5 and 43.5, with the current line stuck at pick and 40.5. We start our 2023 Pinstripe Bowl preview with a detailed look at the Scarlet Knights.
2023 Pinstripe Bowl
Scarlet Knights vs Hurricanes 
Day/Time:
Records: Scarlet Knights (6-6)/Hurricanes (7-5)
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Streaming: ESPN
Rutgers A Breath Of Fresh Air
When we looked at all the potential college bowl projections a month ago, we wouldn’t allow ourselves to think about the craziness that was on the horizon known as the transfer portal. Like filing taxes, we wanted to think about the good things about this time of year without spending much time on what it would cost our favorite university.
Teams are paying a tax for having players that other college football teams want with the promise of more playing time or a better chance to show off their skills for NFL scouts. Rutgers has lost their share of NCAAF players, but this has been more about what they’ve retained than lost.
Head Coach Greg Schiano had his contract extended through 2030, and leading rusher Kyle Monangai announced that he wasn’t taking his talents anywhere but back to Piscataway. Starting safety, Flip Dixon will also be back, along with linebacker Mohamed Toure and defensive end Wesley Bailey.
From a betting standpoint, the Scarlet Knights can be one of the easier handicaps, especially with Gavin Wimsatt starting for Schiano. Wimsatt may not be the starter next season, but at least he didn’t run away at the first-mention competition in 2024. We continue our 2023 Pinstripe Bowl preview by highlighting the Miami Hurricanes.
Unknown Starts At QB for Miami
Unlike Rutgers, we have no idea what we’re getting from Miami sophomore signal caller Jacurri Brown after watching from the sidelines the entire NCAAF season. Brown will face one of the country’s top defenses, which must be taken into account when handicapping this match-up.
It isn’t about ability; it’s about game speed, something you can’t simulate in practice. Brown was handed the reigns after starter Tyler Van Dyke transferred to Wisconsin (enjoy winter), and backup Emory Williams suffered what turned out to be one of the most NCAA football injuries this bowl season, one that ended his season and thrust Bown into action.
No matter how many positive reports have come out of practice, one has to wonder why head coach Mario Cristobal would put him third on the depth chart if he were ready to play now.
The reasoning is that Brown wasn’t ready and likely still isn’t. NCAAF scores will return some odd results over the next few weeks, but we think we have an idea of what we’re getting in this game.
Betting Majority About To Take A Loss
The total has taken a nose dive, but most sportsbook directors have told us that most tickets written have been on the over. Still, you can bet that is small square money because this number has shaved two points off the opener, which means professional money is dwarfing public tickets.
We already revealed some of our feelings on this game when pointing out the difficult task of an inexperienced quarterback going against a defense that gives up just 175.9 yards per game (11th nationally). You can bank on Brown relying on the running game, and when he does throw, it’s going to be a bunch of short routes that he’s comfortable with.
Our official selection is under the total with a small wager on Miami, who brings a terrific defense that is motivated to match the hype that surrounds the Rutgers defense. The moneyline is -110 each way, but perhaps you can find small plus money to go with the under.
For NCAAF betting news, NCAAF odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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