5 things we learned in Michigan Football win over Rutgers

4. Will Johnson and Donovan are hitting their stride

The defense really came on strong in the second half against Rutgers and it did more than just keep Rutgers off the scoreboard. Michigan actually got points from the defense as Michael Barrett intercepted two passes and ran one in for a touchdown.

As cool as that was to see for Barrett, who struggled to find his role with the Wolverines for a while, my favorite moment on Saturday night was Will Johnson’s interception.

It seemed like only a matter of time before he was able to get his first interception and with Gemon Green not playing (although he traveled), Johnson got the start. He did give up a deep ball in the first half but was stellar the rest of the way.

On his interception, he straight-up looked like Charles Woodson. He jumped up for the pick then returned the ball back into Michigan territory. McCarthy threw a touchdown pass to Cornelius Johnson and all of a sudden, it was 42-17 Wolverines and the third quarter wasn’t even over.

Five-star players can flip the game and three of them (Johnson, McCarthy, and Edwards) helped Michigan football do that in the second half. Edwards now has at least 80 total yards in three straight games, as well as more than 100 yards on the ground in two of the past three.

There’s no doubt that Edwards and Johnson are hitting their stride. In a sense, maybe McCarthy is too. I thought the second half was one of his best stretches this season.

What’s even more exciting, is they are all underclassmen, so the fun is just starting.