Rutgers vs. Penn State Prediction and Odds (Scarlet Knights Set to Cover)

Rutgers scored a massive win on the road earlier this week at Indiana, surely helping their standing with the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. However, they must not drop the ball at home against a Penn State team that may be better than their record as they are far from safely in.

Penn State knocked off Rutgers at home earlier this season and the Scarlet Knights can't overlook their opponent ahead of the Big Ten Tournament.

Let's breakdown the odds for Sunday's early Big Ten matchup from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Penn State vs. Rutgers Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Penn State: +5.5 (-110)
• Rutgers: -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Penn State: +200
• Rutgers: -250

Total: 123.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Penn State vs. Rutgers Prediction and Pick

I like Rutgers to take care of business at home, where the team is 13-3 on the year. We have seen the team beat the likes of Purdue, Iowa and Illinois at Jersey Mike's Center this season and I see them taking advantage of a 3-point reliant Penn State team.

The Nittany Lions are second in Big Ten play in 3-point rate which could be troubling against a Rutgers team that plays heavy ball pressure defense and forces teams to shoot from the perimeter. Rutgers' offense has some concerns, but their defense profiles like a top 40 unit, ranked 37th via ShotQuality.

Penn State struggles to protect the ball, outside the top 10 of the Big Ten in turnover percentage and the Scarlet Knights are going to be able to push the tempo against a visiting team that plays at a bottom 10 adjusted tempo. This will make PSU uncomfortable and expect the likes of Geo Baker to create some easy buckets for the hosts, who are inside the top 75 in transition offense.

Micah Shrewsberry's club gave a valiant effort on the road against Illinois on Thursday and now remain away from home against a Scarlet Knights team that seems to be peaking at the right time, 30th in barttorvik.com's adjusted efficiency rating since February 1st.

Back Rutgers to take care of business ahead of the Big Ten tourney.

LEAN: Rutgers

You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!