Nebraska-Michigan St., Maryland-Ohio St. Highlight Week 6 Vegas Big Ten Predictions

Saturday Blitz Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 6

Michigan Wolverines at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Line: Rutgers by 2

It’s safe to say Michigan is in desperation mode to save its season. The entire football program has had a terrible week, but it’s even worse for the fans. These guys want their athletic director and head coach gone, but they’re stuck with both. And now, Michigan has to go back to its old quarterback, Devon Gardner, to try to turn the 2-3 season around. It’s tough to see how that’s going to happen, but with a trip to Rutgers, they’re going to have to get the passing game going. The rushing attack and defense have been okay for the Wolverines, but they have to be able to throw the football to pull out this victory. Otherwise, they’ll fall to 2-4 and lose to a Big Ten newcomer.

Rutgers, meanwhile, wants to keep playing defense the way it’s been playing defense. But with the ability to defend pro-style or pass-heavy offenses, this time it will have to defend more of a rush-oriented offense. True, there’s no passing game in Michigan to speak of, but the front seven is going to have to be what steps up to make the plays for the defense this week. Gary Nova also has to play the way he’s played all year with the exception of that awful Penn State game. Still, this is possibly the second best defense he’s faced, so he can’t fold pathetically again against a decent defense. Otherwise, this team is in trouble.

Prediction

On paper up to this point, Rutgers looks like it should win this game at home with a good defense, good quarterback play, and all-around balance while the Wolverines are in turmoil. But Michigan will attempt to get things going as they pull out an upset win Saturday. Gardner will make just enough plays while the rushing attack makes more plays than expected against the Rutgers front seven, and Nova will once again struggle against a decent Big Ten defense.

Michigan: 23 Rutgers: 17