Michigan
9-0 , 6-0
Rutgers
4-5 , 1-5
U-M Defense Pitches Second-Half Shutout, Helps Set Up Offense for Rout of Rutgers
11/5/2022 11:34:00 PM | Football
Site: Piscataway, N.J. (SHI Stadium)
Score: #4 Michigan 52, Rutgers 17
Records: U-M (8-0, 5-0 B1G), RU (4-5, 1-5 B1G)
Attendance: 51,117
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Nov. 12 -- vs. Nebraska (Michigan Stadium), Time, TV: TBD
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Despite trailing at halftime for the first time this season, the No. 4-ranked University of Michigan football team erupted in the second half thanks to a big assist from its defense to beat another Big Ten East opponent on Saturday (Nov. 12) with a 52-17 victory over Rutgers at SHI Stadium.
The Wolverines scored three touchdowns in a span of 1:42 to reverse their fortunes in the second half, turning a three-point halftime deficit into a 17-point advantage. The turnaround was sparked by the defense and specifically fifth-year linebacker Michael Barrett, who corralled two interceptions on back-to-back Rutgers plays, highlighted by a 31-yard pick-six. The interceptions and the touchdown were both the first of Barrett's career.
U-M's defense continued to shine in the third quarter, as freshman cornerback Will Johnson earned his first career interception to set up a short field for the Wolverines. Just three plays later, J.J. McCarthy found Cornelius Johnson in the back of the end zone for Michigan's fourth touchdown of the quarter, and the Wolverines never looked back.
Michigan's running game was once again commanding, rushing for 282 total yards and four touchdowns, with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards each leading the way with 109 yards. The defensive unit allowed just 14 Rutgers rushing yards for the game and set a new season-high for takeaways with three in addition to three sacks.
Corum continued his push for Heisman Trophy candidacy with a two-touchdown, 109-yard performance. With his two scores in the game, Corum now leads the FBS with 16 touchdowns on the campaign.
Even though Edwards did the majority of his damage on the ground, the sophomore provided electricity as a receiver as well hauling in three catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. His three receptions tied Johnson for the team-high, while Ronnie Bell added two receptions for 43 yards.
Michigan's offense out-gained Rutgers 433-180 and dominated the time of possession, 37:41-22:19. In addition to their 282 ground yards, McCarthy finished with 151 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, as well as a rushing score.
Defensive back Mike Sainristil led the Wolverines with five total tackles and picked up a half-sack, while defensive end Mike Morris once again led the defense with 1.5 sacks and finished with two total tackles.
The final Wolverine score of the contest came from junior running back Isaiah Gash, who tallied his second rushing touchdown of the season from four yards out.
Michigan will return home for back-to-back dates at Michigan Stadium, beginning with Nebraska next Saturday (Oct. 12). Kick time and television coverage has yet to be announced.
Team Stats
U-M 7, RUT 0
U-M - Corum,Blake 1 yd run (Moody,Jake kick), 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 06:13
U-M 7, RUT 7
RUT - Ward,Timmy 7 yd punt return (McAtamney,Jude kick)
U-M 14, RUT 7
U-M - McCarthy,J.J. 1 yd run (Moody,Jake kick), 6 plays, 50 yards, TOP 03:12
U-M 14, RUT 10
RUT - McAtamney,Jude 32 yd field goal 8 plays, 61 yards, TOP 03:13
U-M 14, RUT 17
RUT - Ryan,Sean 3 yd pass from Wimsatt,Gavin (McAtamney,Jude kick) 8 plays, 68 yards, TOP 02:58
U-M 21, RUT 17
U-M - Edwards,Donovan 14 yd pass from McCarthy,J.J. (Moody,Jake kick) 8 plays, 54 yards, TOP 03:53
U-M 28, RUT 17
U-M - Corum,Blake 2 yd run (Moody,Jake kick), 2 plays, 10 yards, TOP 00:46
U-M 35, RUT 17
U-M - Barrett,Michael 31 yd interception (Moody,Jake kick)
U-M 42, RUT 17
U-M - Johnson,Cornelius 6 yd pass from McCarthy,J.J. (Moody,Jake kick) 3 plays, 31 yards, TOP 01:04
U-M 45, RUT 17
U-M - Moody,Jake 29 yd field goal 8 plays, 61 yards, TOP 03:23
U-M 52, RUT 17
U-M - Gash,Isaiah 4 yd run (Moody,Jake kick), 9 plays, 58 yards, TOP 04:11
