Michigan Football: 5 things you need to know about Rutgers

Michigan football opens Big Ten play on Saturday against Rutgers and here are five things to know about the Scarlet Knights. 

After three impressive non-conference victories, Michigan football will open conference play on Saturday against Big Ten East rival Rutgers.

Rutgers has beaten Michigan football just once since the Scarlet Knights joined the Big Ten and that came under Brady Hoke.

Jim Harbaugh is unbeaten against the Scarlet Knights, although that undefeated record nearly went by the wayside last season as Michigan needed overtime to win.

This matchup will be at the Big House and so far in three games, Michigan has been dominant at home. Will it continue? Before we make too many predictions, here’s what you need to know about Rutgers.

1. Rutgers is different under Greg Schiano

Not only has Rutgers started this season with three straight wins, but the Scarlet Knights actually won three Big Ten games last season. And before Schiano left for the NFL, he had the program rolling and he’s been recruiting really well ever since he returned.

That’s not necessarily going to be felt in this matchup as the Scarlet Knights return the majority of starters they had from last season including quarterback Noah Vedral.

Rutgers hasn’t played anyone that outstanding, but Syracuse is out of the ACC, and Rutgers beat the Orange by 10 on the road, as well as winning against Temple and Delaware in convincing fashion.

This team is capable of making it a game on Saturday and the Scarlet Knights aren’t going to make it easy on Michigan, that much is for sure.