Michigan vs Rutgers Odds, Best Bets, and Prediction

Michigan vs Rutgers Preview
Kickoff: Saturday, September 25th, 3:30 PM ET. Michigan Stadium
Moneyline: Michigan (-1220), Rutgers (+805)
Spread: Michigan (-20.5), Rutgers (+20.5)

Based on last year’s disappointment, things are going better than expected this season for Jim Harbaugh and the no. 19 Michigan Wolverines. The Wolverines have a chance to move to 4-0 in their Big Ten opener against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Of course, Rutgers is 3-0 for the first time in nearly a decade and excited to test themselves against a powerhouse program. At home, the Wolverines are favored by 20.5 points on Saturday night with the over/under for the game at 49.5 points.

Michigan Wolverines Preview

It might be best not to overreact too much to Michigan’s 3-0 start. While all three wins have come by a comfortable margin, two of the games have come against MAC teams. In fairness, one of those MAC teams (Western Michigan) just beat Pitt last week. The Wolverines also handled perennial Pac-12 contender Washington 31-10, albeit a week after the Huskies lost to an FCS opponent. In a weird way, this might be Michigan’s biggest test of the season thus far.

Junior quarterback Cade McNamara hasn’t made any egregious mistakes through three games, although he hasn’t been asked to do all that much. He’s attempted 15 passes or less in each of Michigan’s first three games and connected on 65% of them without throwing an interception. The Wolverines have relied mostly on their rushing attack, which has been off the charts thus far. Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins have combined for 688 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while splitting the carries. Again, the level of competition is questionable, but it’s a good sign that Michigan has been able to push around weaker teams and run the ball effectively.

The Michigan defense has been equally impressive through three games, allowing 14 points or less in all three games. On paper, the offenses of Western Michigan and Washington didn’t look half bad heading into the season, so the Wolverines deserve a little credit for shutting them down. There’s never been a question about Michigan’s talent on that side of the ball, so perhaps new play-caller Mike Macdonald has found something.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview

As mentioned, the Scarlet Knights are 3-0 for the first time since 2012. However, even that 3-0 record comes with a grain of salt. Rutgers surely deserves some credit for winning on the road against Syracuse. But their other wins have come against a Temple team that’s an absolute mess and FCS Delaware. Needless to say, it’s a big step up from playing those teams to visiting Ann Arbor to play a top-25 team.

While the Scarlet Knights scored with ease against Temple and Delaware, the RU offense was underwhelming during the win over Syracuse. The Scarlet Knights were shut out in the first half and finished the game with less than 200 total yards. They benefited from Syracuse committing four turnovers, which was the difference in the game. The offensive line was an absolute mess, allowing four sacks and 13 tackles for a loss while running back Isaih Pacheco finished with just 50 yards on 19 carries. Despite completing 22 of his 28 passes, Noah Vedral had just 145 passing yards, rarely completing anything down the field.

On the other side of the field, the Rutgers defense saved the Scarlet Knights against Syracuse and had its way with Temple and Delaware. In three games, the Rutgers defense has forced nine turnovers, which is a trend that the Scarlet Knights will need to continue. However, two cornerbacks, including one starter, have been suspended for Saturday’s game against Michigan. That could be a bad omen because the Scarlet Knights will need all hands on deck when they face their toughest test of the season.

Full Michigan vs Rutgers Prediction

Obviously, this will be the biggest test of the season for both of these teams. With the spread over 20 points, the onus is on Michigan to prove that their three early-season wins are no fluke. However, there isn’t enough evidence that Rutgers is considerably better than any of the teams the Wolverines have already beaten this season. Even with some lingering questions, Michigan has run the ball and played defense well enough to make this a comfortable victory over the Scarlet Knights.

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