Michigan at Rutgers – Preview and Prediction
MICHIGAN 27.5 RUTGERS (53.5)
Implied Projected Score: Michigan 40.5 Rutgers 13
MEGALOCKS LINE – Michigan 27
The Game
Michigan continues the battle against the GAUNTLET OF FIRE as they take on the surging Rutgers Scarlet Knights who have lost their last two games by a combined score of 72-7. The Wolverines better not be looking ahead to tough games against Bye Week and Illinois or they could be in serious trouble.
The Match-Up
Michigan offense vs Rutgers defense
The Wolverines are doing exactly what they need to do in order to have a shot at winning every game they play. They run the ball well. The QB does not make mistakes. The keep the ball (#23 time of possession) and do not take many penalties. And we won’t even talk about the defense and special teams that sets them up for even more points. QB Wilton Speight continues to do a great job and made the throw that counted last week as they “out-Wisconsined” Wisconsin. The running game should be able to roll right along and the passing game will follow with big plays. Do not go to the fridge if they are going to attempt a FG because anything can happen. Last week the Wolverines were 0-3 on FGs and that could have cost them the game. Rutgers is scrappy and are going to fight, but just like in last week’s game, it is hard to ask too much of the defense when they are on the field for what seems like an eternity. You just get worn out. CROWD-WILL-BE-ROCKING-GUY may have no shot to help the Scarlet Knights this weekend.
Rutgers offense vs Michigan defense
As noted earlier, Rutgers has only scored seven points in the last two games. And now they get the brick wall Michigan defense. Losing star WR Janarion Grant was a really significant blow to an offense without too many weapons. QB Chris Laviano is only averaging 5.4 yards per attempt and Michigan is giving up nothing through the air. The ground game may work at times but have trouble seeing Rutgers get past 10 points in this contest.
MEGA-MAZEMENT !
Hey ! A Michigan game finally went UNDER last week but that was the first UNDER in 13 games….Michigan is allowing a ridiculous 15.4% 3rd down conversions (!!) on defense and that is pretty awesome no matter who you are playing.
Summary
Oh boy. We are tempted to lay the four TDs but just cannot do it. If we were really desperate and needed to back an outcome in this game we would probably go with the under.
Conclusion
Official play: None.
Lean: Under any total 52 or better. Rutgers TT under 13 or better.