Highlights, gut reactions to Michigan Football win over Rutgers

Rutgers made things scary for a half but Michigan football pulled away in the second half. Here are the highlights and gut reactions.

If there is one thing you can say about Michigan football, it knows how to close games out in the second half.

The Wolverines trailed Rutgers, yes Rutgers, 17-14 at halftime on Saturday night. However, thanks to a dominant second-half effort, one that included two touchdown passes by J.J. McCarthy and three interceptions by the defense, Michigan scored 31 unanswered to win 52-17.

You could sense some trouble when Rutgers blocked a punt early and ran it back for a touchdown. Michigan also missed two first-half field goals and that allowed Rutgers to grab the lead.

After a stop to start the second half, J.J. McCarthy threw a dart to Donovan Edwards and eventually found him in the end zone to give Michigan the lead.

After an interception by Michael Barrett, Michigan scored again on a run by Blake Corum.

Yet, the Wolverines weren’t done and got their third touchdown in about two minutes of game time as Barrett made another interception and ran it back for a score.

McCarthy found Cornelius Johnson on his second touchdown pass after a Will Johnson interception, and the Wolverines were able to add a field goal and extend their lead to 28 before giving way to the reserves who added a late touchdown from Isaiah Gash.

Here are the gut reactions to the Michigan football win over Rutgers:

Gut Reactions

• J.J. McCarthy needed to step up in the second half and he did.
• This should be another confidence boost for him and a sign to coaches they should trust him more.
• It was good to see the young wideouts and Tyler Morris make a play.
• Donovan Edwards is getting better and better.
• It was good to see the defense force some turnovers. They were due.
• Happy for Michael Barrett. He’s having a great season.
• Blake Corum helped himself as a Heisman contender.
• Michigan football has the best RB duo in America.
• Edwards was just behind Corum in rushing yards and led in receiving.
• Mike Morris could be a first-round pick.
• This team knows how to close and it’s impressive.
• One more win ensures the final game is for the Big Ten East title.
• But also, Michigan is a top-4 team right now.
• Go Blue!