Michigan Football vs Rutgers: 3 keys to a Wolverines win

Michigan football is ranked fifth in the College Football Playoff rankings and will head to Rutgers this week. Here are three keys to a Wolverines’ win. 

Following a big win during hate week, Michigan football has a trap game of sorts on the road against a 4-4 Rutgers team looking to improve its hopes of a bowl game.

Truth be told, Rutgers always seems to get up for these kinds of games. Greg Schiano is trying to build something in Piscataway and beating Michigan or a program like it would be huge.

The Scarlet Knights have had chances in each of their last two meetings. Two years ago, Michigan football had to rally before winning the game in overtime. Last season, the Wolverines led throughout but had to stop Rutgers late to wrap up a seven-point win.

This time around, Michigan is fresh off an emotional win over Michigan State, one that was followed up by an assault and something that could be a huge distraction.

The fifth-ranked Wolverines don’t have room for error as they look to head to Columbus 11-0 at the end of the season. That means getting a road win on Saturday night and here are three keys for Michigan football to make that happen.

Be focused on Rutgers

Michigan football is a 26.5-point favorite and there is no question which team is more talented. The Wolverines should be able to win this game without breaking a sweat. However, winning conference road games are never easy and the Scarlet Knights will be on an emotional high early.

The Wolverines can’t look past this game to Ohio State or get distracted by what happened after the Michigan State game. The focus needs to be on Rutgers, because if Michigan isn’t focused, Rutgers can absolutely win this game or at least make it tight.

This isn’t the same Rutgers team that Michigan beat 78-0. That won’t happen on Saturday night and if the Wolverines aren’t careful, the Scarlet Knights can hang around.