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Friday, October 7, 2016

Rutgers 2016 Season Game 6: Michigan

                                                                                    (AP Photo)

WHEN: Saturday at 7 p.m. ET

WHERE: High Point Solutions Stadium; ESPN2 (TV); WCTC 1450-AM, WFAN 101.9-FM, WENJ 97.3-FM, WNJE 920-AM (Radio)

COACHES: Michigan: Jim Harbaugh (second season, 15-3); Rutgers: Chris Ash (first season, 2-3)

SERIES: The schools are tied 1-1 all-time. Rutgers won the 2014 meeting in Piscataway, 26-24, the Scarlet Knights' first-ever Big Ten victory. Michigan dominated last season in Ann Arbor, 49-16.

LAST WEEK: Rutgers suffered a 58-0 defeat at No. 2 Ohio State, the program's first road shutout since 2002. Michigan grinded out a 14-7 win over then-No. 8 Wisconsin at home.

RUTGERS WINS IF: The Scarlet Knights' defense plays stingy and physical against the Wolverines' power formations. Rutgers' only realistic chance at an upset will be to make this a messy, low-scoring game. Third downs will be especially critical. Michigan is 27th nationally in conversion percentage (47.2%) and first in third-down defense (15.4%). Against a similar pro-style Iowa offense two weeks ago, Rutgers limited the Hawkeyes to 3-of-11 on third downs.

MICHIGAN WINS IF: The Wolverines' offensive line wins the battle up front. Through five games, Michigan averages 209.8 rushing yards. Should the Wolverines' gap schemes overwhelm Rutgers' front seven, QB Wilton Speight and the play-action game will find comfort in Piscataway. Michigan's uber-talented defense, elite in several categories, should have few issues hindering Rutgers' last-place Big Ten offense (333 yards per game).

EXTRA POINTS: High Point Solutions Stadium is holding its first-ever #StripeTheBirthplace promotion. Fans in odd numbered sections will wear black, while those in even numbered sections will wear scarlet. Those in the student section will wear black. ... The 2014 primetime game had a sellout crowd of 53,327, third-largest in school history. ... Michigan's roster features nine players from New Jersey, including three from Paramus Catholic (Jabrill Peppers, Rashan Gary, Juwann Bushell-Beatty). ... This is Michigan's first road game in 2016 after opening the season with a five-game homestand.

PREDICTION: Michigan 31, Rutgers 7


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