Michigan Football: 3 Rutgers Scarlet Knights to watch this week

Bo Melton

Season Stats: 20 receptions, 334 yards, 4 TD

The senior wideout is off to a great start in his final collegiate season, and just had a career game against Illinois with five catches for 150 yards and two trips to the end zone. Melton is the Scarlet Knights’ biggest deep threat on offense and has at least four receptions in every game this season.

Michigan football has been burnt by offenses taking the top off of their defense all season and Melton will be the one who Rutgers looks to for that big play. Keeping him in check will be a key focus for Don Brown’s defense and Vincent Gray will likely be tasked with stopping the speedster.

Before Michigan fans roll their eyes at that notion, consider that Gray put up his best performance of the year last week. In fact, Gray was one of Michigan’s best players on either side of the ball against Wisconsin.

However, as Gray has improved throughout the season, Melton has made strides as well. As I mentioned above, Melton just had a career day last week but even in the games leading up to that his yards after catch, first down receptions, longest reception, and passer rating when targeted have increased with each game.

The lone statistic that has decreased is a welcome one for Rutgers and that is drops. He has not dropped a pass in his last 16 receptions and not since the season opener against Michigan State.