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Michigan Football: 2016 Game-by-Game Predictions

By Erik Schlitt

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Jul 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Chris Ash addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Chris Ash addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

October 8, Michigan at Rutgers, 7:00 or 8:00, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2

Since moving to the Big Ten, Rutgers hasn’t had an easy road. In 2015 they struggled with execution and seemed lost winning only four games. Thus prompting them hiring former Ohio State defensive assistant Chris Ash as their new head coach.

Chris Ash wasted no time making noise, starting a Twitter battle with Jim Harbaugh over satellite camps. Now, maybe it was just a publicity stunt to gain attention for their program. or, maybe he truly believes they will be relevant in the Big Ten. And truthfully, you can’t blame him for wanting to inject hope into a fan base that has been suffering for a decade. But you need to be careful taking shots at Jim Harbaugh because he tends to hold a grudge.

To illustrate my point, MGoBlog brought up this point in their Rutgers preview:

"“Rutgers talked so much smack at halftime of a game they were losing by 19 points that Jim Harbaugh decided to go for two in the second half while up by 25.”"

Offensively, Rutgers is moving away from their traditional Pro-style scheme and installing a speed-tempo spread attack. These adjustments take time. Specifically, for returning starting quarterback Chris Laviano, who struggled last year, and an offensive line built for power over speed.

Oct 17, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) runs away from Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive end Kemoko Turay (58) in the first half of their game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Nate Sudfeld (7) runs away from Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive end Kemoko Turay (58) in the first half of their game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rutgers defensive line is talented, led by tackle Darius Hamilton and edge rusher Kemoko Turay. Both have trouble staying healthy but when they are they can be impact payers. The back seven have a lot of questions though. All three linebackers are new and the secondary is still very young.

Prediction:

This will be the Wolverines first game outside of Ann arbor and will be nationally televised at either 7:00 or 8:00 on the ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 network group. Don’t expect Harbaugh to pass on the opportunity to send a message to Chris Ash.

Michigan wins (6-0, 3-0)

Next: Week 8: Illinois Fighting Illini

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