Recent History: Michigan vs. Rutgers

Michigan and it’s opponent this week, Rutgers, don’t have an extensive history. The two schools have only played five times, with the first meeting taking place in 2014. We don’t speak of that first game, which Michigan lost in Brady Hoke’s final season.

Since Jim Harbaugh took over in 2015, the meeting history has looked quite different.

2015: Michigan 49, Rutgers 16 in Ann Arbor

Michigan’s defense held Rutgers to less than 100 yards passing, while quarterback Jake Rudock torched the Scarlet Knights for 337 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

Jake Butt had more than 100 yards receiving and Jabrill Peppers rushed in a touchdown. Ten different players recorded a carry for the Wolverines, who entered the game at No. 17 in the country.

2016: Michigan 78, Rutgers 0 in Piscataway

This might be one of the most memorable games of the Harbaugh tenure (which may tell you something). It was all Michigan from the start as it held Rutgers to just 39 totals yards, five of which were passing.

Michigan had 11 different rushers combine for 481 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns, while Wilton Speight chipped in 100 yards passing and a touchdown. Even John O’Korn got in on the action, throwing a touchdown pass. Karan Higdon, Ty Issac and Jabrill Peppers each scored two touchdowns and Khalid Hill had three, two rushing and one receiving. Michigan left the game 10-0 overall and ranked in the top 10.

2017: Michigan 35, Rutgers 14 in Ann Arbor

Back in Ann Arbor, Brandon Peters led the Wolverines to victory with 124 yards and a touchdown. The running game was also on fire, as U-M combined for 334 yards. Higdon was the star with 158 yards and two scores.

Michigan was unranked at the time of this game.

2018: Michigan 42, Rutgers 7 in Piscataway

In last year’s meeting, Michigan dominated on the road once again. Shea Patterson threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Wolverines.

U-M limited Rutgers to just 59 yards passing and only gave up one big play, an 80-yard touchdown run by Isaih Pacheco. Michigan entered the game as the No. 4 team in the country.