Rutgers football game week opponent profile: Michigan
The Rutgers football team ships off to Ann Arbor, Michigan, this weekend to play Michigan in its first road game of the season.
Both the Scarlet Knights (3-0, 1-0) and the Wolverines (3-0, 0-0) are undefeated. It comes down to this game to see who will keep their unbeaten run alive.
The Daily Targum sat down with John Tondora, the senior sports editor at The Michigan Daily, to talk about the Big Ten matchup coming up.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh returns to the sideline this week after serving his three-game suspension for violations of recruiting procedures.
"The university definitely is welcoming him back with open arms," said Tondora regarding the comeback of their beloved coach. "With Harbaugh coming back, there is definitely excitement."
Even without Harbaugh at the helm, Michigan has still been a great team, starting the season with three comfortable wins.
Some cause for concern, though, may have fallen upon superstar quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the absence of his coach. McCarthy threw three interceptions in last week's game against Bowling Green, which was a career-high for the rising star.
"It's a bit of a head-scratcher. Everything you hear leading up to last week against Bowling Green is how great J.J. McCarthy is," Tondara said. "Suddenly he plays this Mid Atlantic Conference team (in) Bowling Green … (and) throws three interceptions … It was almost unbelievable to see."
McCarthy will be looking to his backfield for production, especially running back Blake Corum. The stellar running back is averaging 6.9 yards per carry this season and has found the endzone six times in the opening three games of the season.
The Rutgers defensive line will be looking to close the door on Corum after only allowing 209 total rushing yards through three games.
The Knights currently rank No. 11 in rushing defense. Rutgers' passing defense, on the other hand, has given up 203 yards per game, and this is where the Wolverines will look to find success.
"I think on paper, everyone wants you to point toward Roman Wilson. He's this guy with blazing speed. He leads the Big Ten in touchdowns right now with six," said Tondora when he was asked about which player is going to step up in the receiving core.
Wide receiver Roman Wilson has been one of the main players to look out for on Michigan's roster, as he has averaged 17.4 yards per catch along with his six touchdowns.
Tondora also believes Cornelius Johnson will make an impact in the passing game as well.
Junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt and company will have their hands full trying to figure out a way to attack this suffocating Michigan defense.
"The heartbeat of this Michigan Wolverines team comes out of the defensive tackle positions," said Tondora. "They play a no-run style of defense. They will stop the run at any and all costs because they see it as how they found success thus far in the Big Ten."
Defensive lineman Kris Jenkins is nothing short of excellent in his position. He was an All-Big Ten selection in 2022, and this year has eight tackles, with his first career interception coming in last week’s game.
Defensive linemen Cam Goode and Mason Graham add life to the defensive line as well, combining for 14 tackles and one-and-a-half sacks this season.
The matchup is set for noon on Saturday and can be watched on the Big Ten Network or listened to on 88.7 WRSU-FM.
"Michigan at home is tough to beat," Tondora said in his predictions for the game. "I'm going to say it’s gonna come down to (the) fourth quarter … I'll say Michigan 31, and Rutgers 24."
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