Psychic Vibes: Five Specific Predictions For Michigan vs. Rutgers

Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines want to get to 9-0 this week and nobody actually expects a 4-4 Rutgers crew to maintain that from taking place. Nonetheless, Rutgers performed Michigan powerful in Ann Arbor final yr and does appear to be fairly strong in opposition to the run, which is clearly what Michigan likes to do. The Wolverines are favored by a whopping 25.5 factors on the highway however you by no means understand how the ball will bounce away from the pleasant confines of The Large Home. Listed below are some issues that very effectively may occur in opposition to the Scarlet Knights on Saturday evening.

1. JJ McCarthy will solely throw one landing

McCarthy is able to doing no matter you need him to on the quarterback place. To this point in 2022, he simply hasn’t been known as on to do an entire lot. McCarthy has thrown one or zero touchdowns 5 occasions this yr and solely has 10 touchdowns on the season in eight video games of motion. He is clearly gifted sufficient to throw it across the lot, he simply does not must, and I believe that’ll proceed in opposition to Rutgers.

2. Donovan Edwards will rating a landing

In some methods, Edwards is rather a lot like McCarthy. He has all the power on the earth, he simply is not known as upon a lot taking part in behind Blake Corum. He additionally missed two video games because of harm earlier this season but when he will get touches, he produces. He is obtained 4 scores on the season and went off in opposition to Penn State for 173 yards and two touchdowns. The totally different in that one — he carried it 16 occasions, which his excessive for the season. If he touches the ball sufficient, he’ll make his manner into the top zone.

3. Will Johnson will get his first profession interception

With Gemon Inexperienced out after being assaulted by a number of Michigan State Spartans final weekend within the Michigan Stadium tunnel, Johnson is probably going in line to get his first profession begin. He is performed a good quantity of snaps this season and has acquitted himself properly. With a full slate of taking part in time on the horizon, he’ll get some alternatives. He is lengthy, sticky, athletic and bodily. If Rutgers decides to check him, he’ll take one away.

4. Michigan won’t flip the ball over

Michigan has solely turned the ball over 5 occasions this yr. JJ McCarthy has all the time been a gunslinger however this yr he has not taken many dangers and does not throw the ball the place he ought to. Blake Corum is as strong as they arrive and flat out does not fumble the ball. The remainder of Michigan’s talent guys are additionally sturdy with the soccer and have a knack for taking good care of it. Rutgers does have 11 takeaways on the season, however I believe Michigan will prioritize taking good care of the ball in opposition to a scrappy bunch of Scarlet Knights of their home.

5. Michigan will not cowl the unfold

I do assume Michigan will win and reasonably simply, however the unfold is massive for an away sport in opposition to a scrappy crew who will go all out to beat the No. 5 crew within the nation. My prediction is 31-10, which is clearly a convincing, three-touchdown win, however will not cowl the unfold. As gamblers nationwide will remind Michigan followers, the Wolverines are sometimes sturdy at protecting. That pattern dates again to Bo Schembechler, continued by the Lloyd Carr period and appears to be sticking round beneath Jim Harbaugh. On the finish of the day, a win is a win, and I do assume Michigan will win reasonably simply, however it will not be by a minimum of 26.