The Michigan Wolverines are now 5-3 on the season after defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 28-21 on Saturday.
Here are the key takeaways from Michigan’s victory.
Tommy Carr was exceptional and freed Jason Beck
Carr finished 22 of 27 for 266 yards with a touchdown and also had 54 rushing yards and two scores. Carr showed good arm strength on deep balls and good touch on intermediate throws. He was solid throughout his progression and withstood pressure well. Carr was particularly effective on two broken plays in which he rushed for both of his touchdowns. Without those two points, Michigan would have lost the game and offensive coordinator Jason Beck would be heavily criticized.
Michigan’s offense totaled 427 yards; they were 12 of 16 on third down, but it was against one of the worst defenses in the country, and Beck continued to make way too many stubborn play calls. Delayed handoffs, Rhino training, and outside runs are some of the concepts that Beck really needs to remember or abandon. Then there’s Michigan’s offensive line, which had terrible pass protection and run blocking. With all due respect to Rutgers, Michigan beating them amounts to a close victory for Michigan’s starters against their practice squad. Rutgers should never be on Michigan’s level, and today it is.
Michigan has a major kicking problem
Kicker Trey Butkowski missed two field goals last week and missed two more against Rutgers – from 48 and 35 yards. Michigan will have to start going for it on fourth down, closer to field goal range, if they don’t turn things around soon.
Michigan’s defense gave up big plays, but still held on
Michigan’s defense has virtually no margin for error this season, and that can take a toll on a unit. Michigan gave up an 80-yard touchdown pass, a 32-yard pass, and runs of 56 and 20, but performed well on almost every other play in the game. Michigan allowed just 249 total yards — Rutgers quarterback AJ Surace finished 3 of 12 for 123 yards with a touchdown. Surace did not complete a pass in the second half.
It’s fair to question Kyle Whittingham’s ability to lead
Michigan was favored by 16.5 points against a Rutgers team that was now 2-6 and won by just a touchdown. Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham doesn’t seem very engaged on the sideline. He rarely speaks when shown on television. Whether Whittingham has to communicate minute by minute with players, staff or officials, he seems rather passive. Last week, Whittingham said he doesn’t like micromanaging, but what exactly does he manage? The best coaches are often motivators and communicators. Does Whittingham exhibit any of these traits?
At halftime, Whittingham asked the reporter whether Michigan had a turnover on offense or not; at the end of the game he said that Michigan had a little to improve while Michigan had A LOT to improve. Whittingham continues to deliver messages that are the opposite of motivational. At this point, it’s fair to ask whether players would rather run through a wall for their coach or instead bang their heads against a wall.
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