Halloween comes with spooky and scary sights, and the Michigan Wolverines facing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway falls perfectly within that description. We’ve officially entered the territory where only real Michigan fanatics or college football fans that consider themselves a part of the Sicko Committee will tune into a game like this one. Non-network television, non-traditional viewing time, and two teams reeling, make this one a contest that will surely be an interesting watch.
Michigan Wolverines vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Day: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
- TV: BTN
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Piscataway, New Jersey
- Weather: 58 degrees, partly cloudy
- Odds: MICH – 13.5, O/U: 47.5
Both
of these teams have dropped three of their last five games and sit at 1-3 against conference opponents. Similarly, they both have gone through quarterback controversy. For Michigan, it was five-star sophomore Bryce Underwood being replaced by true freshman Tommy Carr over the last two weeks. On the other side, Dylan Lonergan has been battling injuries while also struggling behind center and is out for this contest. That has opened up an opportunity for AJ Surace to take command, but he too has had little success.
That’s to the frustration of some excellent receivers on either side. Rutgers’ 6-foot-6 junior KJ Duff boasts one of the best receiver profiles in the collegiate landscape right now. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Wednesday night that Duff is doubtful to play in this game. That’s a huge blow to this Rutgers squad. He has 43 receptions for 774 yards and 9 touchdowns this season, ranking Top-5 in the later two categories. This Scarlet Knight’s offense goes as Duff goes, equating to a 21.3% target share, 38.1% of the team’s receptions, 28% of the team’s total yards, and 34.6% of their touchdowns. He would have been one of the toughest receivers this Michigan defense would face this season, instead, they’ll avoid him altogether.
Calls for changes in offensive playcalling are at a ear-piercing level, and if the Wolverines struggle against Rutgers there is no viable excuse. This is not the typical Greg Schiano defense. Rutgers is bottom-10 in the country in opponent’s points, yards, and rushing yards per contest allowing an astounding 7 yards per play, ranking third-worst in the sport. There is quite literally zero excuse for Michigan to not move the ball up and down the field with ease in this game.
Thankfully, the defense should have the opportunity to put the offense in some great spots. Rutgers is tied for dead-last in college football, turning the ball over 2.3 times per game, including an astonishing 11 interceptions in seven games this year. Long story short, as much as Michigan has struggled on the offensive end, they have no business keeping this one close. Rutgers loss by multiple scores to UMass at home in Week 1 and lost by four or more scores in two of their last three games.
If I can get Michigan -13.5 I’m taking it comfortably with the hopes that this team comes out pissed off after another week of hearing they’re not good enough to absolutely body a much worse opponent despite not much to play for just over halfway through the season. Anything less than that, and there shot at bowl eligibility is in real jeopardy. They have to win two of their next five and this week in Piscataway and the following against Michigan State at home are likely their best shots.
The Bet: Michigan -13.5
Other top games
- Sat, Oct 31 @ Noon ET on ABC: No. 22 Arizona Wildcats vs No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders
- The Bet: Arizona +140
- Sat, Oct. 31 @ 3:30 PM ET on ABC: No. 17 Florida Gators vs No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs
- The Bet: o55.5
- Sat, Oct. 31 @ 7:30 PM ET on NBC: No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs USC Trojans
- The Bet: USC +7
