Michigan Football: 3 key takeaways from Wolverines win over Rutgers

The Stretch Stiffens In October

Now that September is over, the calendar turns to a vicious October docket. The Wolverines will face three ranked opponents in this month, two of which are in the Big House.

For Michigan football to remain in the hunt they know that they’ll have to go unscathed in all four contests this month. Illinois is on the road following the Iowa showdown, so if they can somehow get past the Hawkeyes, then the Illini will be the only school that isn’t in the top 25 until November.

This upcoming gamut will clearly identify if Michigan can survive and advance into the championship month that is November. Winning on the road is going to be difficult and maybe impossible based on recent results. For the maize and blue to officially turn the corner though, they realize what needs to be done. That means going into Happy Valley and leaving with a victory.

In the meantime, Michigan must take it one battle at a time. With the last meeting being in 2016, Harbaugh’s crew will surely have revenge on its mind when it comes to Iowa.

Being upset on a last-second field goal didn’t end Michigan’s chances that season, but a loss would likely do that this year. Payback could be a sweet pill to swallow if Michigan can escape Kirk Ferentz and his Hawkeyes next Saturday.