4 takeaways from Michigan’s win vs Rutgers

· Yahoo Sports

Oct 31, 2026; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Bradlee Jones (5) and Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Salesi Moa (12) talk during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Michigan Wolverines are now 5-3 on the season after defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 28-21 on Saturday.

Here are key takeaways from Michigan’s win.

Visit bettingx.club for more information.

Tommy Carr was outstanding and bailed Jason Beck out

Carr was 22-of-27 for 266 yards with one touchdown and also had 54 rushing yards and two scores. Carr showed good arm strength on deep balls and nice touch on intermediate throws. He was sound going through his progressions and did well against pressure. Carr was particularly effective on two broken plays in which he rushed for his two touchdowns. If not for those two runs, Michigan would have lost the game, and offensive coordinator Jason Beck would be getting criticized heavily.

Michigan’s offense did have 427 total yards; they were 12-of-16 on third down, but it was against one of the worst defenses in the nation, and Beck continued to dial up far too many stubborn play calls. Delayed handoffs, Rhino formation, and outside runs are a few of the concepts that Beck needs to really dial back or scrap. Then there’s Michigan’s offensive line, which had abysmal pass protection and run blocking. With all due respect to Rutgers, Michigan beating them is the equivalent of Michigan’s starters having a narrow win against their practice team. Rutgers should never be on Michigan’s level, and today they were.

Michigan has a major kicking problem

Kicker Trey Butkowski missed two field goals last week and missed another two versus Rutgers — from 48 and 35 yards out. Michigan will have to start going for it on fourth down more in field goal range if he doesn’t turn it around soon.

Michigan’s defense gave up big plays, but still held its own

Michigan’s defense has virtually no margin for error this season, and that can take its toll on a unit. Michigan gave up an 80-yard touchdown pass, a 32-yard pass, and runs of 56 and 20, but fared well on about every other play of the game. Michigan allowed just 249 total yards — Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace was 3-of-12 for 123 yards with one touchdown. Surace didn’t complete a pass in the second half.

It’s fair to question Kyle Whittingham’s ability to lead

Michigan was favored by 16.5 points against a Rutgers team that’s now 2-6 and won by just a touchdown. Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham does not seem all that engaged on the sideline. He rarely speaks when the television shows him. Whether Whittingham should be communicating with players, staff, or the officials on a minute-to-minute basis, he seems quite passive. Last week, Whittingham said he doesn’t like to micromanage, but what exactly is he managing? The best coaches are often motivators and communicators — is Whittingham exhibiting either trait?

At halftime, Whittingham asked the sideline reporter if Michigan had a turnover on offense or not; at the end of the game, he said Michigan has a little to improve upon when Michigan has A LOT to improve. Whittingham continues to deliver messages that are the opposite of motivating. At this point, it’s fair to wonder if players would rather run through a wall for their coach or run their head into one instead.

Read full story at source