Michigan vs Rutgers Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 31, 2026
Michigan travels to New Jersey on Saturday hoping to get its season moving in the right direction. The Wolverines face Rutgers at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, with kickoff at 12:30 pm ET on Big Ten Network. Michigan is 4-3 overall and 13th in the Big Ten at 1-3, following a 13-6 overtime loss to Indiana. Rutgers is 2-5 and 15th in the conference with a 1-3 record. The Scarlet Knights lost 42-14 to Northwestern last weekend. Michigan enters as a 14-point favorite, with the total at 47.5. Find your next winner with our free NCAAF picks.
Michigan Needs to Get Their Offense Moving
Michigan's last game was a difficult one to watch for anyone hoping to see touchdowns. The Wolverines managed six points against Indiana, eventually losing in overtime. A week earlier, Michigan had beaten Penn State 21-18, but there hasn't been much scoring lately. Losses to Minnesota and Iowa came by scores of 20-14 and 20-19. That's three defeats in four games, with Michigan struggling to finish drives despite remaining competitive against some tough opponents.
Bryce Underwood has thrown for 924 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. JJ Buchanan has been the main target, collecting 539 receiving yards and four scores. Jordan Marshall leads the rushing attack with 319 yards, although Michigan is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. The defense has kept the Wolverines competitive, allowing only 71 points across their last four games. Michigan needs that unit to continue playing well while its offense searches for answers.
Injuries: A. Sprague is out. Brady Norton, Kendrick Bell, Z. Marshall and L. Forbes are questionable.
Rutgers Having Trouble Stopping Opponents
The Scarlet Knights went to Northwestern last Saturday and came home with a 42-14 loss. It was a disappointing follow-up to their 37-30 victory at Maryland the previous week. Rutgers had also given up 47 points to Indiana on October 3, losing that game by 32. Even the 42-35 defeat against USC in September showed how difficult things have been for the defense. Rutgers has allowed 30 or more points in four of its last five games. The Scarlet Knights have managed to score in some of those contests, but the defense hasn't given them much room for error.
Antwan Raymond has been one of Rutgers' better performers, rushing for 648 yards and six touchdowns. KJ Duff has been dangerous at receiver, gaining 774 yards and scoring nine times. The Scarlet Knights have a significant concern at quarterback, with Dylan Lonergan listed as out. AJ Surace has also played this season, throwing for 539 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. Rutgers needs to protect the football against a Michigan defense that has collected seven interceptions.
Injuries: Kaj Sanders and Dylan Lonergan are out. F. Toure, Kevin Levy, D. Kaliakmanis and Jourdin Houston are questionable.
Key To The Game
Michigan's offense has been disappointing, but Rutgers presents an opportunity to change that. The Scarlet Knights have struggled defensively, particularly against teams capable of sustaining drives. Michigan needs to establish Marshall on the ground and avoid asking Underwood to make difficult throws. Rutgers has enough receiving talent to cause problems, although Lonergan's absence changes the offense. If Michigan protects the ball and keeps Raymond from breaking long runs, the Wolverines can dictate how this game develops.
Michigan vs Rutgers Game Pick
- Michigan Wolverines -14
Michigan hasn't given bettors many reasons to trust its offense lately. Six points against Indiana and 14 against Minnesota aren't encouraging numbers for a two-touchdown favorite. But Rutgers has been giving up points at an alarming rate, including 47 to Indiana and 42 to Northwestern. The Scarlet Knights are also missing quarterback Dylan Lonergan, leaving AJ Surace to handle a difficult matchup. Michigan's defense has allowed just 20 points or fewer in four straight games. I expect the Wolverines to have better luck moving the ball against Rutgers, with their defense helping them build a lead that covers the spread.
Michigan vs Rutgers Over/Under Pick
- Under 47.5
It's hard to picture Michigan suddenly putting together a huge offensive performance after what we've seen recently. The Wolverines scored 19 against Iowa, 14 against Minnesota, 21 against Penn State and only six against Indiana. Rutgers has given up plenty of points, but Michigan's offense has rarely taken advantage of its opportunities this season. The Scarlet Knights also have questions at quarterback with Lonergan out, and Michigan's defense has played well enough to make scoring difficult. I see a game where Rutgers struggles to move the ball and Michigan wins without needing 40 points.