Getting to know Rutgers: Not a complete embarrassment in 2017

Make no mistake, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team is still the doormat of the Big Ten, one of the minor league teams among the big dogs, but they’ve made improvements in 2017.

In 2016, Rutgers played horribly, going 2-10 on the year, being shutout 78-0 by Michigan, 58-0 by Ohio State, 49-0 by Michigan State, and 39-0 by Penn State. Head coach Chris Ash had a rough first year on the job to say the least.

While the 2017 Rutgers team can’t be described as good, they’ve been competitive (somewhat). Standing at 3-4 on the season with wins over Purdue and Illinois, things are trending in the right direction. They’ve even had semi-close losses to Nebraska and Washington.

While every opponent should be respected, this is a game that has the recipe for a Michigan butt-whooping. The Wolverines are coming off a loss to Penn State and are probably going to play angrier than usual Saturday and Rutgers will be their unfortunate victim. If this game is even remotely close it should come as a surprise.

While Rutgers record has improved, they’re still a bad football team. The biggest kudos directed at them should be towards their improved defense, which can get to the quarterback and cause interceptions at an above average level. Maybe that can keep Rutgers in the game, but don’t expect it to. Ohio State beat them 56-0, Michigan should try and exceed that number.

Notable Rankings

• Passing defense- 63rd
• Rushing defense- 57th
• Sacks- 123rd (7)
• Interceptions- 21st (9)
• Defensive Efficiency- 54th
• Offensive Efficiency- 115th
• Passing offense- 123rd
• Rushing offense- 67th
• 3rd down conversions- 100th (34.6%)