MLive story: Rutgers could be one of Michigan’s toughest challenges

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

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...it’s looking like Saturday’s Big Ten opener against Rutgers could be one of Michigan’s toughest challenges until the Nittany Lions.​

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ESPN’s FPI gave the Wolverines a 96.7% chance of beating the Scarlet Knights before the season, but that number is down to 84.9% after Rutgers’ surprising 3-0 start. Greg Schiano’s squad, which was predicted to finish sixth in the Big Ten East in the preseason poll, has outscored Northwestern, Temple and Virginia Tech 95-30 combined and has played well on both sides of the ball.​

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Michigan routed Rutgers 52-17 last season, but the previous two matchups were one-scores games. Oddsmakers, though, are still giving the Wolverines a significant edge with a 24-point spread.​

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“They’re playing really good defense,” Harbaugh said Monday. “(Quarterback) Gavin Wimsatt is playing really good football, and they’re running the ball really effectively.​

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“You ask me, ‘Hey, what are you doing? You seem out of breath.’ A lot on the plate right now getting ready for Rutgers. As I’m sure you can understand, if you’ve watched them play, they’re good.”​

 

[Brisket and Bourbon]

He said everything every opposing coach says about its opponent. You did not think he was going to come out and say: “we are so kicking their asses on Saturday!”

You never give an opponent billboard material…even if it’s Bama vs Hampton!

 

[charliem24]

He said everything every opposing coach says about its opponent. You did not thing he was going to come out and say: “we are so kicking their asses on Saturday!”

You never give an opponent billboard material…even if it’s Bama vs Hampton!

With Harbaugh, ya never know

 

[brgRC90]

Unfortunately since we have a history of giving Michigan trouble they won't look past us this year like they probably have in the past.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Unfortunately since we have a history of giving Michigan trouble they won't look past us this year like they probably have in the past.

Agreed.. they are number 2 but every big beat-down they put on opponents is an effort to climb to 1 or prevent falling in rankings.