GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: If there’s one thing Rutgers does well it’s execute on special teams. It’s second nationally in kickoff defense, allowing 14.9 yards per return, and the Scarlet Knights yield just 5.75 yards per punt return with only two of 20 returns going for 20 or more yards. Michigan is one of two Big Ten teams (along with Maryland) to return both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown this season.
DRAFT SLANT
–Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com has Michigan RB Karan Higdon first on his list of college players whose play gave their draft stock a huge boost in Week 10. Higdon ran for 132 yards and a touchdown against Penn State, giving him seven straight 100-yard games and 963 yards for the season.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Dylan McCaffrey, a sophomore who has served as Shea Patterson’s back most of the season, broke his collarbone against Penn State and is likely out for the year. That means either redshirt freshman Brandon Peters or true freshman Joe Milton will move up to No. 2 on the depth chart. Milton has appeared in one game and is still eligible to redshirt if he plays in four or fewer games this season.
–DE Rashan Gary returned to action last week after missing three games with a shoulder injury. The junior had two tackles and a quarterback hurry, that coming on the first play from scrimmage.
–RB Chris Evans, limited to just eight carries in the previous five games, ran for 57 yards and a touchdown on 12 rushes against Penn State. Coach Jim Harbaugh said the junior is back to full speed after dealing with an undisclosed injury.
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