Rutgers vs Michigan Preview
The Scarlet Knights are back home for a showdown under the lights against No. 5 Michigan Wolverines. This is a huge game for the Scarlet Knights with only four games left they are only two wins away from becoming bowl eligible. For the Wolverines they are trying to stay up in the rankings in hopes for another college football playoff berth.
Last week the Scarlet Knights traveled to face the Minnesota Gophers and lost 31-0. The Gophers had the ball for 41:02, other than that the Scarlet Knights couldn’t get anything going on offense.
Gavin Wimsatt made his second career start for Rutgers last week. He went 6-17 and threw a pick as well. He did leave the game midway through the fourth with a shoulder injury and was replaced by Noah Vedral.
On a good note four players on defense reached double digits in tackles, three of them posted career highs. Punter Adam Korsak netted 51.2 yards in five attempts. He also set a stadium record at Minnesota with a 77-yard punt that was downed at the 1-yard line.
Rutgers has lost to Michigan six times in a row but it has not been so easy for Michigan the last two times. Last season the Wolverines won 20-13 and in 2020 they won 48-42 in overtime. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has pointed out the challenges playing Rutgers.
“They’re a very physical team,” he said. “Defense, offense, special teams, very well coached. Same thing you say about a Greg Schiano team every time you go to play them.”
This might be one of Harbaughs best teams since he has been at Michigan. They are looking for their first national championship since 1997 and looking to win their second consecutive Big Ten title.
Quarterback J.J McCarthy has been steady for this team. He has thrown for 1,464 yards has a completion rate of 74.6%, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions on the year. Their running back Blake Corum is one of the best in the country. He’s rushed for 1,078 yards and has 14 touchdowns on the year.
This Michigan team is talented from top to bottom and will be a chore to stop. If Rutgers can play physical and throw Michigan off balance like Michigan State they did they can give themselves a chance. They have to stay in the ball game long enough for Michigan to make a mistake but also capitalize on it.
“We have to play our style of ball,” Rutgers cornerback Avery Young said. “We have to chop. That’s our culture. That’s something that has to shine when you’re playing a team as good as Michigan. If we do our jobs to the best of our ability, we have a chance.”
Saturday night will be the annual Military Appreciation Game, Rutgers will be welcoming all active-duty and veteran members of the armed forces and their families.
The game is at 7:30 and will be on the Big Ten Network and on our radio station FOX Sports New Jersey 93.5-FM/1450-AM.
