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Matchup preview

Rutgers vs Penn State

Rutgers visit Penn State in Week 12. The model favors Penn State by 19.5. Win probability, the tale of the tape, and the all-time series, all from real data.

Win probability
12%
88%

Model win probability from SP+ ratings + home-field edge.

Tale of the tape
Percentile vs FBS · 2025
#72SP+SP+: Bill Connelly's tempo- and opponent-adjusted efficiency rating, expressed in points above average.#15
#63FPIFPI: ESPN's Football Power Index, an overall measure of team strength.#16
1469EloElo: a rating that rises or falls after each game based on the result and the quality of the opponent.1954
-Title oddsDe-vigged consensus probability to win the national title, averaged across the prediction markets we track.1.1%
RutgersPenn Statesolid = better, faded = trailing
What these metrics mean
SP+. SP+: Bill Connelly's tempo- and opponent-adjusted efficiency rating, expressed in points above average.
FPI. FPI: ESPN's Football Power Index, an overall measure of team strength.
Elo. Elo: a rating that rises or falls after each game based on the result and the quality of the opponent.
Title odds. De-vigged consensus probability to win the national title, averaged across the prediction markets we track.
Off PPA. PPA (Predicted Points Added): the average point value each play adds. Higher is better for offense, lower for defense.
Success. Success rate: the share of plays that stay on schedule (roughly 50% of needed yards on 1st down, 70% on 2nd, 100% on 3rd/4th). Higher is better.
Explosive. Explosiveness: the average value of a team's successful plays, i.e. how big its good plays are when they hit.
Yards/game. Total yards gained per game.
Success allowed. How often the defense allows an on-schedule play (enough yards for the down). Lower is better.
Havoc. Havoc rate: the share of plays where the defense makes a tackle for loss, forced fumble, interception, or pass breakup.
Yards allowed. Total yards allowed per game. Lower is better.
Efficiency profile
Percentile vs FBS · 2025
Recent series
Penn State lead 11-0
Penn State have won the last 11
20152025
Head to head
Every meeting in our records
2025
40-36
Penn State
at Rutgers
2023
27-6
Penn State
at Penn State
2022
55-10
Penn State
at Rutgers
2021
28-0
Penn State
at Penn State
2020
23-7
Penn State
at Rutgers
2019
27-6
Penn State
at Penn State
2018
20-7
Penn State
at Rutgers
2017
35-6
Penn State
at Penn State
2016
39-0
Penn State
at Rutgers
2015
28-3
Penn State
at Penn State
2014
13-10
Penn State
at Rutgers
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When do Rutgers and Penn State play?

Week 12 of 2026, on Nov 21, 2026 at Penn State.

Who is favored?

The model projects Penn State by 19.5 (88% win probability), from SP+ ratings.

What is the all-time series?

Penn State lead 11-0 over the meetings in our records.

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