This weekend is a tough Big Ten matchup for the Scarlet Knights. It is Rutgers vs Michigan this Saturday Night. Despite this being a pretty much predictable outcome, that does not mean there is no reason to give Rutgers some hope to at least compete. Here are three Scarlet Knights to watch during Rutgers vs Michigan.
Rutgers vs Michigan: Samuel Brown V
Freshman running back Samuel Brown V has done a great job for the Scarlet Knights. He did not play last weekend against Minnesota and he was definitely missed. This season, Brown has rushed for 369 yards from 85 attempts. He also has three touchdowns this season, according to Sports Reference. Brown can also receive, but he does not do so often. The running back only has 17 yards from four receptions.
In the 31-0 loss against Minnesota, the Scarlet Knights only rushed for 48 yards according to ESPN. This is completely unacceptable, and if they do this in the Rutgers vs Michigan game, the score may break a record for the biggest blowout. Brown being back should mean better rushing yards for the Scarlet Knights though. While Rutgers is not expected to win, their goal will be to at least put up a fight against Michigan.
Rutgers vs Michigan: Gavin Wimsatt
Sophomore quarterback Gavin Wimsatt is getting the start at quarterback for the Scarlet Knights. Wimsatt has completed only 16 out of 40 pass attempts this season, totaling 185 yards according to ESPN. This is a decision that is surprising because last week Wimsatt had to exit the game against Minnesota due to an injury.
Wimsatt has only played in four games this season and has thrown three interceptions and only one touchdown. Rutgers has used three quarterbacks this season and of the three Wimsatt has played the least due to injuries. The other quarterback who has gotten the most starts is Noah Vedral. Vedral has gotten a couple of wins for this team, and with Wimsatt originally questionable, some believed Vedral would get another start.
The Wolverines have forced five interceptions this season according to ESPN. Defensive back Rod Moore leads the team with three interceptions for 71 yards. It will be important for Wimsatt to make smarter decisions this weekend in the Rutgers vs Michigan match-up to avoid any turnovers.
Rutgers vs Michigan: Wesley Bailey
Sophomore defensive lineman, Wesley Bailey has had a slow start with this Scarlet Knights team but is progressing very well. This season, Bailey totals 18 total tackles and 3.5 sacks according to Sports Reference. He also has a fumble return this season, which is crucial for a team who needs as much help as possible. Bailey has put a lot of pressure on quarterbacks, causing the opposing quarterbacks to throw more inaccurate passes. It was Bailey who caused pressure on Indiana’s quarterback which led him to throw a Pick-Six. This play was a factor in Rutgers breaking their losing streak to Big Ten opponents at home.
The Michigan quarterback, J.J. McCarthy has completed 126 out of 169 pass attempts according to ESPN. He has also only thrown two interceptions this season. It will be crucial for pressure to be put on him if Rutgers wants even a slight chance of keeping the score close. This makes Bailey an important player to watch on the defense in the Rutgers vs Michigan game.
For more NFL and NCAA content
Here are three players to watch for Penn State this weekend. Also, check out my top five Super Bowl Candidates as of week eight! I also do a weekly Underestimated Player Spotlight. Click here for who I picked this week!