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The Michigan Wolverines will look to get back in the win column this Saturday when they visit Piscataway to face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Both teams hold a 1-0 record in Big Ten play, but Rutgers sits at 2-5 overall. Michigan brings a defense ranked No. 2 nationally into the matchup, though its offense has struggled mightily. The good news for the Wolverines is that Rutgers fields one of the nation's weakest defenses, offering a prime opportunity for a breakout performance.
Key 1: Run North-South, Not East-West
Michigan's running game has been plagued by a tendency to bounce runs outside rather than attacking downhill. The numbers reveal a clear disparity: the Wolverines average 7.1 yards per carry between the left guard and center, 6.0 yards at right tackle, and 5.0 yards between the right guard and center. In contrast, they have attempted 111 runs outside the tackles compared to just 96 between the tackles. Even Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham has noted that Michigan still relies too heavily on side-to-side runs. Rutgers owns the Big Ten's worst run defense, allowing 329 rushing yards to Indiana and 283 to Northwestern. If there was ever a week for the Wolverines to commit to a downhill approach, it is now.
Key 2: Offensive Line Must Elevate Its Play
Injuries have certainly taken a toll on Michigan's offensive line. Starting right tackle Andrew Sprague has been sidelined since Week 2, forcing the coaching staff to shuffle the lineup. Blake Frazier missed last week's game, and Brady Norton, who returned to the starting lineup, had his worst outing of the season. If Frazier is available this weekend, the Wolverines could turn to Avery Gach at one of the tackle spots. Regardless of who starts, the line must perform better than it did against Indiana, which may have the best defensive front Michigan will face all year. Rutgers, according to Pro Football Focus, has the second-worst pass rush in the country and struggles against the run. The opportunity is there for a significant step forward.
Key 3: Contain Rutgers' Two Stars
Rutgers' offense revolves around two playmakers: running back Antwan Raymond and wide receiver KJ Duff. Raymond leads the Big Ten with an average of 92 rushing yards per game and has eclipsed 100 yards in four of seven contests, including a 150-yard outburst against a solid Northwestern defense. Duff, standing 6-foot-6, ranks second in the conference with 110 receiving yards per game and has drawn comparisons to Calvin Johnson from Whittingham. The Scarlet Knights have uncertainty at quarterback, as starter Dylan Lonergan was injured against Northwestern and his status is up in the air. If he cannot play, AJ Surace would likely start; he has thrown six touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Michigan's defense, led by coordinator Jay Hill, must focus on limiting Raymond and Duff to keep Rutgers' offense in check.
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