Michigan Football: 5 Predictions for Wolverines against Rutgers

Defense finally creates big plays

There have been struggles all over the defense and it has been more than one thing. But one of the most glaring stats about the defensive struggles is that through four games, Michigan football only has six sacks and has forced just two turnovers.

That’s insane and that’s not the kind of football we have come to expect under Don Brown. Giving up lots of yards is one thing, but the lack of impact plays has been equally disturbing.

Against Rutgers, Michigan probably won’t have its top two pass rushers, so others will need to step up. Rutgers is one of the worst run and pass blocking teams in the country, so the defensive line should have a field day and it’d be nice to see someone like Chris Hinton flash.

The bottom line is that with Daxton Hill, Cam McGrone, Brad Hawkins and others, Michigan should still have enough talent to dispatch of Rutgers, but these guys need to make plays.

Through four games, Rutgers QB Noah Vedral has thrown seven interceptions and despite forcing seven turnovers against Michigan State in the first game, Rutgers is still minus two in turnover ratio, thanks to 11 turnovers. U-M has four so far.

Ball security has been one strength, outside of the past two weeks and as long as the Wolverines can take care of the ball, the defense should be able to get some takeaways and win that important battle.