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Everything you need to know about Michigan football vs Rutgers

By Christopher Mangum

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 29: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines runs with the ball and avoids a tackle by Derrick Harmon #41 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of a college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 29: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines runs with the ball and avoids a tackle by Derrick Harmon #41 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of a college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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This weekend, Michigan football will travel to New Brunswick, New Jersey, to face Rutgers University. The Knights are currently 4-4 overall, and a 26-point underdog heading into the matchup.

Previewing Rutgers

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have seen an up and down season so far, but as of late, have been on a downward spiral. Just like last year, the Knights started the season 3-0 with a win over an ACC opponent — this time it was a 22-21 win over Boston College. In Big Ten play, however, Rutgers is 1-4.

The Knights’ lone Big Ten win came against Indiana two weeks ago, though Rutgers also gave Nebraska a close game. In the Knights’ contest against Minnesota last weekend, the Gophers completely crushed Rutgers, 31-0. For the record, Minnesota is not that good of a team, and I believe it is safe to say Rutgers football is very bad again this year.

What does Rutgers do well?

Rutgers does very few things well, especially on offense. Honestly, the same can be said for some (but not all) aspects of the Knights’ defense, so I don’t have a whole lot of positive things to write about what RU can do. It seems noteworthy to point out that Rutgers ranks 12th in the nation in total defense, but aside from that, they are simply not very good.

What does Rutgers struggle with?

The short answer to this question is nearly everything. Below is a list of where Rutgers ranks in team statistics per the NCAA.

  • Red Zone defense: 131st (last)
  • Red Zone offense: T-105th
  • Scoring defense: T-44th
  • Tackles for loss allowed: T-52nd
  • 3rd down conversion percentage: 120th
  • Total offense: 121st
  • Scoring offense: 114th
  • Turnover margin: T-82nd

I could go on, but you get the point.

Michigan was snubbed in the initial CFP rankings. light. Trending

This season, Rutgers has rushed for 1,205 yards as a team — only 127 more yards than Michigan running back Blake Corum has on his own. With so few rushing yards, Rutgers must have an explosive passing attack, right? Wrong again — Rutgers’ leading passer has 740 passing yards so far, and the Knights have a little over 1,200 passing yards as a team.

Rutgers ranks 121st in passing offense and 65th in rushing offense.

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