Michigan football found some offense in the road game at Rutgers, but it was supposed to, as the second-worst offense in the Big Ten met up against the worst defense. But the best defense in the country in terms of yards per play allowed the Scarlet Knights to make a handful of big plays, which kept the game relatively close.
Michigan ended up winning, 28-21, against the now 2-6 Scarlet Knights, but it was far from comfortable or decided. The game was tied until 4:24 in the fourth quarter, and even then, Rutgers had a chance to tie the game after that.
From the media to a handful of fans, there were mixed reactions about the game. Yes, quarterback Tommy Carr looked excellent in his second start, but across the game, there was still a lot of consternation
-- locally and nationally -- about the maize and blue.
Here are the best reactions spanning the game.
MGoBlog's Alex Drain
Definition of an unserious football game
— Alex Drain (@Alex_Drain) October 31, 2026
Blue By 90
Tommy Carr is the only thing I can be excited about right now
— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) October 31, 2026
247Sports' Tom Loy
Tommy Carr is a bad dude.
— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) October 31, 2026
John U. Bacon
This Michigan-Rutgers game has all the energy, tension, and attendance of a MAC midweek contest.
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) October 31, 2026
Maize N' Brew's Trevor Woods
Michigan barely beat Western Michigan and Rutgers
— Trevor Woods (@WoodsFootball) October 31, 2026
They have lost to Minnesota, Iowa, and Indiana
What has Kyle Whittingham done through 8 games to make anyone feel Year 2 will be any better?
College Football Data's Bill Radjewski
Michigan 28, Rutgers 21.
— Bill Radjewski | CollegeFootballData.com (@CFB_Data) October 31, 2026
28 is the fewest points any FBS offense has scored on Rutgers this season, tied with Boston College. UMass scored 37. Maryland scored 30.
The bar was 37.8. Full report card tomorrow. https://t.co/zH1UshU6GU
Former WTOL sports anchor Jordan Strack
I’m out. I’m done. Kyle Whittingham has to be one-and-done. It isn’t working. It’s ok to admit it & move on.
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) October 31, 2026
“Well, who are you gonna get that’s better?”
Anyone. Literally anyone could have Michigan at 4-3 & getting outcoached & outplayed by Rutgers with a backup quarterback.
Luke D'Mello
I truly hope the powers that be at Michigan are watching how unprepared this team is week in and week out. You can’t let this mediocre staff stay any longer than this season.
— Luke D'Mello (@mello2189) October 31, 2026
The Michigan Insider's Zach Shaw
For the first time this season, on October 31, Michigan has surpassed 21 points against a power-four opponent.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) October 31, 2026
Barstool Michigan
Maybe the most insane stat you’ll ever see.
— Barstool Michigan (@BarstoolUofM) October 31, 2026
Michigan has allowed ZERO COMPLETIONS in two straight 2nd halves of football.
60 minutes of zero completions. pic.twitter.com/gBi6dYq4hQ
The Wolverine's Chris Balas
Jake Guarnera toughing it out on one leg. One of the guys on this team showing a ton of heart in addition to Tommy Carr, of course, who has been fantastic. Carr's arm will get stronger, and he's going to be a great college QB. His instincts are incredible.
— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) October 31, 2026
AP's Josh Dubow
Tommy Carr had 320 yards combined rushing and passing, 3 total TDs and 0 turnovers. Last Michigan player with 300+ yards, 3+ TDs and 0 turnovers was Shea Patterson vs Michigan State in 2019
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 31, 2026
Detroit Free Press' Tony Garcia
BREAKING: Michigan did not run a single snap of rhino on its touchdown drive to open the third quarter, went on an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) October 31, 2026
Went 3-for-3 on third down that possession, too.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football draws mixed reactions after 28-21 win over Rutgers
