West Virginia vs. Rutgers: Spread Info, Line, BCS Impact and Predictions

The West Virginia Mountaineers may or may not be departing for the Big 12 in the near future, but they will certainly be playing at Rutgers on Saturday.

This matchup has some pretty clear Big East implications. Both West Virginia and Rutgers are looking up at Cincinnati in the conference, yet both are still very much alive in the chase for the Big East title. Winning it means a trip to a BCS bowl.

Let's take a closer look at what we can expect to see.

Where: High Point Solutions Stadium; Piscataway, N.J.

When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ABC and streaming live online at ESPN3.com

Spread: West Virginia -7, according to Sportsbook

You always have to be fearful of a road favorite, especially when you're dealing with a team like West Virginia, who is coming off a blowout loss on the road. The question will be if you want to rely on West Virginia's offense or Rutgers' defense, which is only allowing 16.0 points per game.

Personally, what has me worried about Rutgers is its offense, which has sputtered in the last two games.

Over/Under: 54 points, according to Sportsbook

I actually think 54 points is a bit of a reach. The Mountaineers did not look sharp offensively on Friday against Syracuse, and they're facing a tough defense. Their scoring will be held in check, and I don't anticipate the Scarlet Knights racking up points either.

Key Injuries

Per USA Today, wide receiver Ivan McCartney and fullback Ryan Clarke are both expected to play against Rutgers despite suffering injuries against Syracuse.

Also per USA Today, linebacker Manny Abreu is expected to play for Rutgers after leaving Saturday's game against Louisville with a hand injury.

In a related note, paralyzed former player Eric LeGrand is going to lead Rutgers out of the tunnel on Saturday. According to ESPN, LeGrand is hoping his lead will inspire the team.

BCS/Top 25 Implications

West Virginia is currently the only Big East team ranked in the BCS Top 25, but that's beside the point. Both teams are chasing Cincinnati within the conference and either team will have to win the Big East in order to make it to a BCS bowl.

Keys to West Virginia Win

Geno Smith ended up with solid numbers, but he wasn't very sharp last week against Syracuse. He can expect to get plenty of throws against Rutgers, and he needs to avoid turning the ball over.

If the Mountaineers can also get some production out of Dustin Garrison, they may have too much offense for the Scarlet Knights.

Keys to Rutgers Win

It may sound overly simple, but the Scarlet Knights can't let the Mountaineers establish any kind of rhythm on offense. If they do, this game will get away from Rutgers in a hurry.

If the Scarlet Knights can keep West Virginia in check, it will be up to Gary Nova to avoid turning the football over. He's thrown five interceptions in Rutgers' last two games.

Prediction: West Virginia 28, Rutgers 20

I'm going to have to go with West Virginia in this one. I think Rutgers plays good defense, but I don't think it has enough offensive firepower to keep pace with the Mountaineers.