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Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Free Pick – Odds & Pinstripe Bowl Predictions

Rutgers vs Notre Dame NCAAF Handicapping

Settling for a middling finish after running the table during the 2012 regular season, Notre Dame is hoping that the New Era Pinstripe Bowl can give their senior class a shot at going out in a blaze of glory.

NEW ERA PINSTRIPE BOWL
Date: Saturday, December 28, 2013
Time: 12 p.m. EST
Venue: Yankee Stadium
City: Bronx, N.Y.
O/U Odds: 52.5
Spread: -14.5 Notre Dame

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In the meantime, head coach Kyle Flood and Rutgers arrive in the Bronx on Saturday with a chance to rewrite the ending to another disappointing season for the Scarlet Knights.

After clinching a share of the Big East title last season, Rutgers looked poised to reach similar success in their final year in the American Athletic Conference after a quick 4-1 start, but then dropped five of its next six games.

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However, they were able to get a pair of decent performances out of quarterback Chas Dodd, who was took over in place of Gary Nova for the Scarlet Knights (6-6), leading them to a big win over South Florida in their final game of the 2013 campaign, to snap a three-game losing streak and snatch a bowl bid.

Still, Dodd was mediocre at best in a loss at UConn just one week beforee getting a great performance from an otherwise terrible defense against the Bulls.

In fact, the Rutgers defense was so bad this season, it ended up costing coordinator Dave Cohen his job.
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The Scarlet Knights surrendered 50-plus points three different times, and 40-plus points five times during the season and will have their hands full in their post-Christmas matchup with the Irish, who will be looking to follow up an 8-4 season with a bowl win.

Led by T.J. Jones, Notre Dame boasts the winningest senior class in nearly two decades, and despite losing four games this season, did win some big battles.

Notre Dame were the only team to beat Michigan State in the regular season, and its wins over Arizona State and USC were impressive too.

The defense really stepped up to shut out the Trojans, giving Notre Dame its third victory over its rival in the teams’ past four meetings.

However, it’s the same defense that has been part of the Irish’s setbacks this season, along with an anemic running game.

The backfield wasn’t consistently productive and the defense lost four starters who went down with season-ending injuries.

Still, with the return of suspended quarterback Everett Golson, a victory in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl could initiate some momentum toward a promising future.

Matt’s Free Prediction

Notre Dame 31, Rutgers 24

By Matt Martz

Matt has returned to CappersPicks.com. The pull was too great. He missed providing his free picks and insider sports gambling analysis to his loyal readers. Please take it easy on him till he gets back into his groove. Cheers!