Michigan Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Rutgers in Week 9

After a disappointing 42-13 loss at the hands of No. 2 Penn State, Michigan Football returns home to take on Rutgers.

The Michigan offense continues to struggle, and until a remedy can be found, expect the Wolverines to lean on their defense. Michigan ran into a beehive last week in Happy Valley. Nittany Lons quarterback Trace McSorley torched the Wolverines for 358 total yards and four touchdowns, leaving the Michigan defense reeling.

Rutgers enters on a high note, holding off a Purdue 2-point conversion attempt to preserve a 14-12 win. The Scarlet Knights have won two in a row and sit at 3-4 overall, and 2-2 in the Big Ten. Rutgers edged Purdue despite a paltry 87 yards passing from quarterback Giovanni Rescigno. Rescigno did not turn the ball over which aided the Rutgers cause.

However, the Scarlet Knights rank 122nd nationally in passing yards per game (133.6). If they hope to have any chance at an upset, the passing game must improve dramatically this week.

Michigan quarterback John O’Korn struggled against a stout Penn State defense. The fifth-year senior threw for 166 yards, but was sacked seven times. He’s only thrown for one touchdown on the year since taking over for the injured Wilton Speight. It’s no secret the sputtering Wolverines’ offense has derailed a promising season in Ann Arbor. Michigan is, in all likelihood, eliminated from Big Ten East consideration. The goal now is to finish strong, and position themselves for a top tier bowl game.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Rutgers at Michigan game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Venue: Michigan Stadium
TV: BTN
Live Stream: BTN2Go

Keys to Victory

A home game with Rutgers is just what the doctor ordered for Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan team. The Scarlet Knights are anemic on offense and the Wolverines defense will try and take away the run and force Rutgers to become one-dimensional. If Michigan succeeds in that area, it will be a long day for Chris Ash’s crew.

Look for Michigan offensive coordinator Tim Drevno to try and get O’Korn rolling early. Play-action and high percentage throws should be on the play chart. The Wolverines’ offensive line knows they must protect better for O’Korn to have success. Seven different Wolverines’ caught a pass against Penn State, so look for O’Korn to spread the ball around. Add in a steady diet of Karan Higdon on the ground, and the Michigan offense should find its groove.

Even though they’ve won two straight, Rutgers isn’t exactly setting the world on fire with its offense. Only eight FBS teams average less yardage through the air, and gaining yards on the ground against a Michigan defense that ranks No. 11 nationally against the run won’t be easy. Rutgers must find a way to get the ball down field vertically. Long, sustained drives against an angry Wolverines’ defense is unlikely.

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Prediction

While Michigan comes in reeling, and Rutgers on a rare two-game winning streak, it won’t matter come Saturday. The Michigan defense should feast on a hapless Rutgers passing attack. O’Korn will likely find comfort playing in front of the Michigan faithful at the Big House. If the Wolverines start fast, and force a turnover or two, the floodgates will open quickly. O’Korn throws for over 200 yards, the Michigan defense holds Rutgers to under 250 total yards, and Harbaugh’s squad rolls to its sixth win of the year.

Final Score: Michigan 38, Rutgers 9