Michigan vs Rutgers Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Traditional Power Defends Undefeated Record
On Saturday, No. 5 Michigan will pay a visit to Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Scarlet Knights (4-4, 1-4) have been one of the Big Ten’s worst teams since joining the conference in 2014. On the other hand, the Wolverines (8-0, 5-0) are enjoying one of their best stretches over the last 20 years. Will Rutgers shake the college football world with an upset of Michigan?
Let’s check the latest college football odds, stats, injury reports, and college football lines for Michigan vs Rutgers. We’ve plenty of NCAA football odds for you to consider.

Michigan’s Resurgence
Last season was a year to remember for the Wolverines. Michigan won its first Big Ten title since 2004 and its first Big Ten Championship Game. It was the Wolverines’ first 12-win season since 1997, and they snapped an eight-game losing streak against their bitter rival Ohio State. To top it off, Michigan played in its first College Football Playoff.
Some expected the Wolverines to have a down year this season. Instead, Michigan has an 8-0 record with its sights set on another Big Ten title and a playoff berth. Coach Jim Harbaugh has this program back in the national spotlight.
The formula to win has not changed. Michigan features one of college football’s best rushing attacks, averaging 246 rushing yards per game (seventh). Running back Blake Corum has a Heisman-worthy resume with 1,078 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on six yards per carry. Per NCAAF odds, Corum is fourth in the Heisman Trophy race at +1600.
How strong is @blake_corum? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Oj1jXVRurY
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 30, 2022
Per usual, the Wolverines boast a strong defense. It ranks second in allowed points per game and third in allowed yards per game. Defensive end Mike Morris has enjoyed a great season with 5.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss, replacing some of Aidan Hutchinson’s production.
Rutgers Enters New QB Era
At 4-4, Rutgers has a chance to become bowl eligible. To do so, the Scarlet Knights must pull off some upsets in the coming weeks. Taking down No. 5 Michigan would nearly lock up Rutgers’ appearance in the postseason. However, taking down a playoff contender is easier said than done. The Scarlet Knights need huge performances in several key areas.
First, Michigan’s success starts and ends on the ground. The Scarlet Knights rank 30th in allowed rushing yards per game and 33rd in allowed yards per carry. However, it struggled in last week’s 31-0 loss against Minnesota, yielding 253 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry. The Wolverines are a tougher challenge with an elite running back duo and physical offensive line.
Along with slowing the run, Rutgers needs better quarterback play. The Scarlet Knights have deployed different strategies in every game. Quarterback Noah Vedral was expected to start before an off-season injury. He slowly worked his way back and was the full-time starter on October 22 against Indiana. Then, backup QB Gavin Wimsatt returned from injury and took most of the snaps against Minnesota.
Wimsatt was named the starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against Michigan. However, Vedral will likely get some snaps due to his dual-threat ability. Rutgers has entered the Wimsatt era.
Michigan vs Rutgers Game Injuries
Michigan vs Rutgers Head-to-Head
In its first season in the Big Ten, Rutgers defeated Michigan 26-24. Since then, the Wolverines have won seven consecutive games and lead the series 7-1. The Scarlet Knights stayed close last season, losing 20-13 in Ann Arbor.
Michigan vs Rutgers Game Information
- Game: No. 5 Michigan vs. Rutgers
- Location: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
- Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Michigan vs Rutgers Live Stream: ESPN
Michigan vs Rutgers Betting Lines
Michigan vs Rutgers Prediction
Rutgers played well against Michigan last season. The Wolverines had a tough time running the ball, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. However, Michigan’s offense has a new wrinkle this season. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a threat on the ground thanks to his exceptional speed. Plus, McCarthy adds more to the Wolverines’ passing game.
The Scarlet Knights’ struggles to stop Minnesota’s run game is not a good sign. Michigan will dominate on the ground, walking out of Piscataway with a win and cover.