Rutgers Preview

Time: Noon
Location: Big House
Weather: 41 w/10% rain
TV: BTN
Stream: BTN To Go
Line:  Michigan - 23


Let's be honest, we are not watching too many Rutgers games around these parts.   Even with that, Rutgers isn't the worst team in the Big Ten this year.   They are on a two game winning streak and 3-4 on the year.    They have a nice win over Purdue and played Washington within a couple TD's. They also got beat 56-0 to OSU and lost to Eastern Michigan. 


We know what Michigan did last week and they're looking for a strong performance to help with confidence.  Which is so important for a young team.


Tale of the Tape
M Defense vs. Rutgers O = Don Brown
M Offense vs. Rutgers D = Karan Higdon
Special Teams = Push


Off the bus this is a huge miss-match and Michigan has the advantage in pretty much every expect.  Rutgers has a good return guy in WR Janarion Grant and will look to score anyway possible.  The funny thing about football is you never know what is going to happen and Rutgers is on a two game winning streak and Michigan is 1-2 in their last 3 games.


Say, that was fun if......................

• This game is over by the 2nd Quarter
• Peters gets a lot of playing time
• Michigan rushes for 300 yards
• JOK hits open WR's and TE's
• Michigan wins the turnover margin

Say, I can't wait to hear how Harbaugh is a terrible coach if.............

• This game is close in the 2nd half
• O'Korn struggles
• Michigan can't run
• The defense clearly has a Penn State hangover

Michigan won this game by a million last year and should dominate the over matched Rutgers team.  The issue is, Michigan hasn't dominated anyone this year and has struggled to score in every game.  I get asked all the time, what is the issue with the offense?  If you can't block anyone, everyone looks terrible.   Michigan's line has under achieved again and Michigan's QB's have played poorly.   Minus a few fumbles, I think Michigan's RB's have played well.    Michigan has struggled to get positive yards on firsts downs and that has equaled close games and a loss to MSU.   Penn State was the better team and that was clear early.


If Michigan thinks they are the better team and don't have to show up, this game will again be uncomfortably close.   Chis Ash, the Rutgers head coach is looking for a program changing win and a win in A2 would qualify. 


I'm looking for a few things in this game.  
1. Better execution on offense
2. Brandon Peters playing in a real football game
3. A dominating performance from the Michigan defense


Rutgers has already lost to a school from Washtenaw County and Michigan should be mad and embarrassed on what happened last week.   The NJ players on Michigan's roster will be excited to play this game and I'm sure will see friends on the other sideline.  I expect great focus and a dominating performance.  Anything less will continue to be concerning.

Michigan 31 Rutgers 3