PLAYERS TO WATCH
–CB Brandon Watson is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three despite not being a starter, his latest producing a 62-yard touchdown return against Penn State. The Wolverines have four pick-sixes this season, tied with Alabama and Utah State for most in FBS. “My son, Jack, loves the pick-six,” Harbaugh said.
–WR Tarik Black, who had missed 17 straight games because of a pair of foot injuries that required surgery, made his 2018 debut against Penn State. The redshirt freshman had a 41-yard touchdown catch called back because of holding in the third quarter.
–LB Josh Uche had two sacks against Penn State, giving him a team-high seven on the season. The junior only had one sack in his first two seasons at Michigan. “He’s got a real knack to be (able to) create speed off the edge and convert that to power when he needs it. He’s highly determined and motivated.”
–K Quinn Nordin has missed four field goals in the last three games after starting the year 8-of-9. His lone attempt against Penn State, a 50-yarder, was blocked.
SERIES HISTORY: Michigan leads Rutgers 3-1 with every matchup coming since the Scarlet Knights joined the Big Ten in 2014. The Wolverines have won the last three meetings, their only loss coming at Rutgers in October 2014.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It takes a lot of discipline to play cornerback in this system because there’s so much man-to-man coverage. There’s really no plays off.” — Jim Harbaugh on defensive coordinator Don Brown’s aggressive pass defense, which allows an FBS-low 122.3 yards per game.
