Rutgers Can’t Hold Off Michigan Rally

MICHIGAN 52 - RUTGERS 17

Leading fourth ranked Michigan 17-14 at the half, it looked like Rutgers was on its way to not only hang with one of the best teams in the nation for 60 minutes, but, potentially, line itself up to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the entire college football season.

Unfortunately for Rutgers, it wasn't to be.

Michigan rallied for four touchdowns in the third quarter; three of them coming in a span of one minute and 26 seconds, as the Wolverines grabbed a 42-17 lead and were on their way to a 52-17 thumping of the Scarlet Knights.

After RU didn't score on its opening possession of the second half, Michigan chewed up nearly four minutes on an eight play-54-yard drive that culminated in a 14-yard touchdown pass from J.J. McCarthy to Donovan Edwards to put Michigan in front 21-17.

On Rutgers' next two possessions, quarterback Gavin Wimsatt was picked off each time by Michael Barrett; the second interception Barrett took himself into the end zone for a 31-yard pick-six. All of sudden Michigan held a 35-17 lead.

By the end of the night, the Wolverines had rolled up 433 yards of offense to 180 yards for Rutgers. Michigan also had 22 first downs to just five for the Scarlet Knights, and held the ball for nearly double at 38 minutes.

Rutgers visits Michigan State next Saturday.

Still there were plenty of incredible moments for Rutgers in this game. In the first quarter, Max Melton blocked a Michigan punt that was scooped up by Timmy Ward, who dashed into the end zone for the game tying touhdown.

How about this 48-yard catch and run by Chris Long!

Finally, Wimsatt hit Sean Ryan from three-yards out for the go-ahead touchdown before the half.

Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano spoke with reporters following the game.