Michigan vs. Rutgers: Keys to a Wolverine Victory

Michigan takes on Rutgers on Saturday afternoon and enters the game as a heavy favorite. Regardless of the spread, here's what the Wolverines must do to earn their seventh victory of the season:

Bring Balance Back to the Offense

Michigan has struggled to get its run game going in recent weeks, which has put a little more burden on the passing game. The Wolverines are not a team that is going to be able to win games by airing out the football, so it is on the guys up front to create holes and the backs to find them in Saturday's game.

Rutgers does not present any significant challenge defensively, so look for Michigan to get back on track and find the balance and efficiency from earlier this season.

Shut 'Em Down Defensively

If Leonte Carroo does not end up playing, there is no reason that Michigan's defense will not be able to bounce back from last week's performance to shut down Rutgers.

The Wolverines will be the first to tell you that they did not play all that well last week, but based on the sample size we have, Minnesota's offensive explosion appears to be the exception, not the rule.

Flip the Field

This has been such a big part of the Wolverines' success this season that it does not even feel like a key to any game. We just assume it is going to happen.

Jabrill Peppers is dangerously close to rattling off a kick or punt return touchdown, so why not against a team from his home team in New Jersey?

We will see what happens, but I do not see Michigan struggling with Rutgers on Saturday. For more game coverage, check out our game preview and keep it locked in to Maize n Brew throughout the day.