5 key plays from Michigan Football win over Rutgers

In a final look back at Rutgers, here were the five plays that defined the Michigan football win against the Scarlet Knights. 

Michigan football continued its dominance and moved to 9-0 on Saturday after beating Rutgers, 52-17. After a sloppy first half for the Wolverines that ended with a 14-17 deficit to the 4-4 Scarlet Knights.

The Wolverines came out strong after halftime adjustments, forcing three turnovers and scoring 38 second-half points. Here are the five key plays from their performance that led to their 9th win.

#5- Blake Corum 4th and Goal touchdown on the opening drive

The Wolverines have struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone as of late, and they knew it would be a difference-maker this late in the season. The Wolverines were faced with a 4th and goal from the 1-yard line, and Jim Harbaugh knew he needed to start a road conference game strong, so he went for it. Corum ended up pushing his way into the end zone for a huge opening-drive touchdown for Michigan football. 

#4- JJ McCarthy’s 4th and Goal touchdown run

After Rutgers blocked a Wolverine punt and scored, they held all the momentum. Riding the wave, Greg Schiano elected to go for it. Luckily, the Wolverines recovered it at midfield. A few plays later, the Wolverines were faced with another 4th and goal from the 1. Harbaugh again didn’t waste any time and put the ball in J.J. McCarthy’s hands as he powered in for another Wolverine touchdown.

#3- Michael Barrett’s First Interception

Veteran LB Michael Barrett had quite the performance Saturday, ending with 4 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and one touchdown. Early in the game, Barrett missed a man on a punt block, and Brad Robbins was faced with a free rusher and eventually had a punt blocked for a touchdown. Barrett redeemed himself with an interception right after Michigan football scored its first touchdown in several drives.

#2- Michael Barrett’s Second Interception

Barrett obviously had himself a day and is almost solely credited with giving Michigan the momentum. He ended two Rutgers drives with Interceptions and even returned one to the house for a touchdown. The whole defense of Michigan played lights out in the second half, but the credit all goes to Michael Barrett for his insane performance.

#1- Donovan Edward’s touchdown reception

Former 5-star RB Donovan Edwards is quickly turning out to look like a future possible Heisman trophy candidate after Corum leaves Michigan. Edwards is a quick and strong runner, who also has great hands for receiving. Last year against Maryland, Edwards had 10 receptions, 170 yards, and a touchdown through the air.

After a long game of drops by almost every Michigan WR, Edwards had an outstanding end zone grab on a 3rd and 6 to give Michigan the league they never surrendered.