Oct 8, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Chris Evans (12) runs with the ball while avoiding a tackle attempt by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back K.J. Gray (17) during the second half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Michigan defeated Rutgers 78-0. Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Michigan put together one of the most dominant efforts in its rich history, holding Rutgers to only 39 total yards in a 78-0 drubbing Saturday before 53,292, the fourth largest crowd at High Point Solutions Stadium.
The No. 4 Wolverines (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) allowed just two first downs in 18 Rutgers’ possessions. Rutgers (2-4, 0-3) has been outscored 136-0 in its last two games. It lost to Ohio State 58-0 on Oct. 1.
The margin of victory was the third highest in Michigan history and the second-highest since 1920 when it defeated the University of Chicago by 85 points in 1939. In 1947, Michigan held Pittsburgh to just one first down.
Michigan piled up 600 yards — 481 on the ground.
Running back Chris Evans led the onslaught for the Wolverines with 11 carries for 153 yards. Karan Higdon, Khalid Hill, Ty Isaac and Jabrill Peppers each scored two touchdowns as seven different players scored for Michigan.
Both Rutgers’ first downs came in the fourth quarter.
With Michigan comfortably ahead at the half, quarterback Wilton Speight (6-of-13, 100 yards, one TD) was lifted for John O’Korn and Shane Morris for the second half. Each of the backups directed a TD drive early in the third quarter for a 57-0 edge.
The Wolverines scored on all four of their second-quarter possessions, taking a 43-0 lead at the half. Peppers and Hill recorded two TDs apiece in the quarter.
Rutgers failed to get a first down in 10 possessions in the half and managed six yards of offense. Michigan accumulated 309.
Michigan took a 14-0 lead with 4:27 left in the first quarter thanks to a 30-yard touchdown pass from Speight to wide receiver Jehu Chesson, who made a diving over-the-shoulder catch in the corner of the end zone.
Isaac provided the Wolverines with a 7-0 lead when he scampered 4 yards around right end with 7:44 left in the first quarter for his third touchdown in the last four games. The score was set up by a 63-yard career-long run by Peppers, who took the direct snap and raced through traffic down the left sideline.
After completing 1 of 8 passes, Rutgers starting quarterback Chris Laviano was replaced by Zach Allen. The Scarlet Knights had six three-and-outs in the first quarter and were held to minus-1 yard.
NOTES: Rutgers LB Greg Jones will miss the rest of the season because of a neck injury he sustained Oct. 1 at Ohio State. … Rutgers offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, 28, is the youngest play-caller in a power-five conference. … The Scarlet Knights have played 1,319 games — the most in major college football. The program is in its 147th season. … Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers has played 13 different positions this season. … Michigan’s roster features nine players from New Jersey. … The Wolverines entered in the top 10 in the nation in scoring offense (ninth) and scoring defense (sixth).
