RUTGERS

It’s rivalry week across the country and in the state of Michigan, with Michigan playing Ohio State and Michigan State and Penn State battling for the Land Grant Trophy. Harbaugh’s team is much better equipped to play with Ohio State this year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to win. The Buckeyes led 49-0 at halftime, and went on to win 56-7.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comPENN STATE at MICHIGAN STATEWenzel’s pick: Kenneth Walker III is nursing an ankle injury and Michigan State may be without its top two receivers in Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor. Then there’s Penn State, which ranks fourth in the nation in scoring defense and has a veteran quarterback in Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson, one of the nation’s top receivers, who will be difficult for Michigan State to cover. Penn State 24, Michigan State 17MLive staff picks

Michigan State and Michigan aren’t the only ones playing for a championship around here. Penn State has four losses in its last five games, with three of them coming by four points or less and one coming in a respectable showing at Ohio State. Michigan State ranks dead last in the nation in passing yards allowed per game and is dealing with a rash of injuries to starters. Michigan State should be able to score but Ohio State has too much firepower. Ohio State 49, Michigan State 31MLive staff picksMichigan State (+19): Austin, Wenzel, KahnOhio State (-19): McMann, ZukeMichigan head coach Jim Harbaugh takes the field with his players from an NCAA college football game against Penn State in State College, Pa.on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

Will the passing game be Michigan’s downfall? That question has echoed through the Big House walls for the better part of two months. This week against Michigan State, we’re probably going to find out.

Michigan football took care of business against Northwestern to set up the unbeaten in-state matchup everyone has been craving in East Lansing.

ANN ARBOR, MI - More than 109,000 people converged on Michigan Stadium Saturday for the first Wolverines home game in about a month. Read more: 1 arrest for sexual assault, 10 ejections at University of Michigan football game versus RutgersThere were no arrests, compared to one each at the Washington, Northern Illinois and Rutgers games last month. The ejections from Saturday’s game were half of the ones reported from the Rutgers game on Sept. 25. Read more: 2 fans ejected from first University of Michigan football game of 2021There were 109,944 people in attendance at Saturday’s game, as the Wolverines pulled away from Northwestern in the second half in a 33-7 victory. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Michigan owns second half, crushes Northwestern: Live updates recap1 fan arrested, 1 ejected during University of Michigan’s win over Northern Illinois1 fan arrested, 3 ejected from University of Michigan football game versus Washington

Coming off a bye week, Michigan will try to stay perfect on Saturday against Northwestern. Northwestern and Michigan last played in 2018, when Michigan fell behind 17-0 early in the second quarter before storming back for a 20-17 win. This Saturday, for the first time, the teams will play for the George Jewett Trophy, honoring the first African American to play football at each school. 6 Michigan Wolverines (6-0, 3-0) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (3-3, 1-2)When: 12:05 p.m. WatchESPN | Hulu + Live TV | Sling | YouTube TVMajor cable providers:Xfinity: Channel 2 | StreamingSpectrum: Channel 8 | StreamingDish: Channel 2 | StreamingDIRECTV: Channel 2 | Streaming*Channel numbers listed are for Michigan subscribers and may change by geographic area.

Michigan football enjoyed a stress-free bye this weekend, but hopefully the players and coaches were paying attention to what happened around the Big Ten.

Ohio State has righted itself after an early loss to Oregon by winning four straight games in mostly blowout fashion.

EAST LANSING, MI -- Michigan State is a top 10 team for the first time since Sept. 18, 2016. Mel Tucker and the Spartans went into the birthplace of college football and emerged with a 31-13 victory over Rutgers. The win pushed the Spartans record to a perfect 6-0. It wasn’t perfect, in fact it was downright ugly at times, but more explosive plays and more bend don’t break defense gets the job done. In episode 51 of MLive’s Spartan Confidential podcast, reporters Brandon Champion, Kyle Austin and Matt Wenzel recap Michigan State’s sloppy-but-explosive win at Rutgers.

While Iowa is in great position in the Big Ten West, the East still has three teams without a Big Ten loss. 7 Penn State (Oct. 23)Illinois’ August win over Nebraska is no longer enough to keep the Illini ahead of the Huskers in these rankings, not after a 24-0 home loss to Wisconsin. Rutgers, the last three weeks, has faced three teams all currently ranked in the top 10, losing at Michigan, to Ohio State, and, on Saturday, to Michigan State 31-13. With Clifford’s status unclear, Penn State welcomes the bye, followed by a game against Illinois, before playing Ohio State. Ohio State, ranked sixth in the country, has the nation’s best offense (562 yards per game), and quarterback C.J.

Michigan and Michigan State will meet later this month in their annual football matchup, and the stakes could be higher than usual. That both Michigan and Michigan State are 6-0 is a surprise to many. Michigan was picked to finish fourth in the Big Ten East and Michigan State was picked last (seventh) in a preseason poll conducted by Cleveland.com. Of the previous 113 games between Michigan and Michigan State, just four have come when both were ranked in the top 10, with the last one in 1964. The last time they played each other as undefeated teams was in 2010, when they were each 5-0.

Huddle up! Here’s a look back at this weekend on the gridiron, with three key takeaways from the state’s football scene.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – During a preseason team meeting, Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said his preference is to run the ball every play. 11 Michigan State offense to accomplish rare featNailor’s three touchdown catches tied a single-game school record and all three were huge plays. Through the first five games this season, Jayden Reed led Michigan State in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. 11 Michigan State’s win at RutgersOverheard outside Michigan State’s locker room: Pick your poison and let’s rollElijah Collins and Drew Beesley among those out for No. 11 Michigan State at Rutgers

For the first time in more than five years, Michigan State football has a top-10 team. Michigan State will play at Indiana (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) on Saturday (noon, FS1), followed by a bye and will then host Michigan (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) on Oct. 30. Related Michigan State football stories:Michigan State football notes: Another flea flicker and a second-half shutoutExplosive offense sparks No. 11 Michigan State offense to accomplish rare featOverheard outside Michigan State’s locker room: Pick your poison and let’s rollElijah Collins and Drew Beesley among those out for No. 11 Michigan State at RutgersMichigan State’s run game improvement ‘very gratifying’ with Kenneth Walker III leading the way

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Up by one point midway through the second quarter, Michigan State was looking to pad its lead. I’m good with it.”It was the third time this season Michigan State used a flea flicker and each resulted in a touchdown. 11 Michigan State offense to accomplish rare featAfter giving up 13 points in the first half, Michigan State allowed zero over the final 30 minutes for its first second-half shutout of the season. 11 Michigan State at RutgersMichigan State’s run game improvement ‘very gratifying’ with Kenneth Walker III leading the waySuspended Michigan State football player suing university amid Title IX investigationPractice change keeps No. 11 Michigan State ‘fresher and more productive’5 things to watch in Michigan State vs. Rutgers and a final score prediction

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Michigan State will be without some familiar faces this week as it attempts to remain unbeaten. 11 Spartans (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) play at Rutgers (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) on Saturday (noon, BTN) and starting defensive end Drew Beesley and backup running back Elijah Collins weren’t with the team for pregame warmups. Both are dealing with apparent lower leg injuries as Collins missed the previous three games while Beesley was out last week after being injured in a win against Nebraska. Live updates: Michigan State looks to stay unbeaten on trip to RutgersTucker previously said both were sore and would be ready when they’re ready. Among the others not dressed for the Spartans during warmups were defensive ends Itayvion Brown and Jack Camper, wide receiver Ian Stewart and tight ends Parks Gissinger and Adam Berghorst.

Note: Refresh this page throughout Michigan State’s game vs. Rutgers to see the latest updatesIt’s officially Big Ten East season for Michigan State. The Spartans start the in-division portion of their schedule with a Saturday trip to Rutgers. The first step will be beating a Rutgers team that won at Spartan Stadium last year on a sloppy day for Michigan State. The Spartans will hope for a different result this year behind the nation’s leading rusher in Kenneth Walker III and the nation’s leader in all-purpose yards in Jayden Reed. Follow along here for live updates throughout the afternoon.

Michigan State is back on the road and back in Big Ten play as it looks to stay unbeaten. 11 Michigan State (5-0, 2-0) vs. Rutgers (3-2, 0-2)When: 12:01 p.m.Where: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, N.J.Twitter: Follow Matt WenzelLive updates: Join the MLive conversation at 11 a.m.Latest line: Michigan State -5 1/2HOW TO WATCHTV Network: Big Ten NetworkStreaming-only optionsWatch & DVR College Football Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable. WatchESPN | Hulu + Live TV | Sling | YouTube TVMajor Cable ProvidersComcast: Channel 65/256(HD) | StreamingSpectrum: Channel 45/778(HD) | StreamingDish: Channel 410 | StreamingDIRECTV: Channel 610 | Streaming* Channel numbers listed are for Michigan subscribers and may change by geographic area. * Michigan State enters the week fourth in the nation in sacks and has racked up 10 in the last two weeks. * If you’ve walked down Shaw lane during a recent weekday morning, you might have heard the sounds of a Michigan State football practice.

No. 11 Michigan State is off to its best start since going 8-0 in 2015.

Both Michigan and Michigan State head into Week 6 with perfect 5-0 records. Michigan State football beat writer Matt Wenzel went a perfect 8-0 in his Week 5 Big Ten picks, nailing everything from Charlotte eking out a cover against Illinois to Minnesota bouncing back for a road win at Purdue. Now, they have to travel to Ohio State, which looks to be finding its form after beating Rutgers soundly last week. Michigan State won’t be able to score at will as it did in the first half last week against Western Kentucky but has the playmakers to pull out another road win. I think Michigan wins (and covers), but this is going to be a close, back-and-forth affair for 3 1/2 quarters.

EAST LANSING – It has been a little less than a year since Mel Tucker made his debut as head coach at Michigan State. “What I remember most about the game was the seven turnovers,” Tucker said. Michigan State looked like a team that had no spring practice under a new staff and didn’t put full pads on until less than a month before the opener. It was a deflating way to start a new era and Michigan State went on to post a 2-5 record in Tucker’s first season. “We have a bad taste in our mouth from when they were here last year with the opportunities to win that game,” Michigan State defensive line coach Ron Burton said.

EAST LANSING – It’s early October and Michigan State is still unbeaten. The Spartans are 5-0 overall, 2-0 in Big Ten play and off to their best start since 2015. The gains come after Tucker and his staff had a full offseason while also overhauling the roster through the portal. “We consistently tell them the voices inside of our building, inside of our meeting rooms, space, have to be louder than the voices outside,” Tucker said. “If anyone does feel that way, that’s on me but I’m not going to allow that.”Related Michigan State football stories:Spartans in the NFL: Le’Veon Bell back in uniform for the RavensRed zone stops critical for Michigan State in win vs. Western KentuckySpartan Confidential podcast: Michigan State set for ‘keep chopping’ bowl vs. RutgersMichigan State opens as road favorite at RutgersMichigan State shoots up national rankings

11 Michigan State (Oct. 16)The Hoosiers were shut out at Penn State on Saturday night, 24-0. One Indiana drive started on the Penn State 13 but resulted in a turnover on downs. 11 Michigan State. MinnesotaLW: 11; overall: 3-2; Big Ten: 1-1; next: Nebraska (Oct. 16)The Gophers move up after a road win. It sets up a monster showdown, a top-four matchup, with Iowa in Iowa City on Saturday (4:00 p.m.

EAST LANSING – Michigan State already surpassed its over/under win total for the season on Saturday, when it beat Western Kentucky to move to 5-0 on the season. The Spartans opened as six-point favorites on the road against Rutgers on Saturday, according to Vegas Insider. Within 90 minutes of that line opening, it had shifted two points in the Scarlet Knights’ favor, to Spartans minus-four. Michigan State will enter the game coming off of a 17-point win over Western Kentucky, in which it scored 42 first-half points. Rutgers started the season 3-0 but has since lost two straight: by a touchdown at Michigan on Sept. 25 and by 39 at home yesterday to Ohio State.

The Wolverines will try to end that dubious drought on Saturday. Michigan is coming off a 20-13 win over Rutgers in the Big Ten opener for both teams. Wisconsin wrapped its nonconference schedule with a 41-13 loss to Notre Dame in Chicago. While the home team has typically held the edge in this matchup, Wisconsin did win 49-11 in Ann Arbor last season. WatchESPN | Hulu + Live TV | Sling | YouTube TVMajor cable providers:Xfinity: Channel 2 | StreamingSpectrum: Channel 8 | StreamingDish: Channel 2 | StreamingDIRECTV: Channel 2 | Streaming*Channel numbers listed are for Michigan subscribers and may change by geographic area.

Michigan (4-0) will face its toughest test of the season on Saturday when it travels to Wisconsin (1-2). The Wolverines’ offense was humming through the first 3 1/2 games in 2021, but it sputtered in the second half against Rutgers last week, managing just 42 yards. Will Michigan’s offensive struggles continue against a Wisconsin defense that ranks second nationally in total defense, allowing just 210.3 yards per game? MLive’s Ryan Zuke and Aaron McMann discuss on the latest episode of “Wolverine Confidential” podcast. Listen via the embedded player below (click here if you can’t see it) or by searching for us, “Wolverine Confidential,” on your preferred podcasting platform.

Michigan football survived its first four games without much of a passing attack, but that plan will have to change if the Wolverines hope to move the ball against Wisconsin.

MinnesotaLW: 8; overall: 2-2; Big Ten: 0-1; next: at PurdueThe Gophers had their homecoming spoiled by Bowling Green on Saturday. MarylandLW: 7; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: No. MichiganLW: 4; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: at WisconsinRunning up the middle most of the time is fine when it’s working, as it did for the Wolverines’ nonconference wins. Penn StateLW: 2; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: IndianaPenn State had no trouble with Villanova, one of the better FCS programs, on Saturday. IowaLW: 1; overall: 4-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: at Maryland (Friday)The Hawkeyes hold on to the top spot here despite trailing Colorado State at halftime on Saturday.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Whatever you took away from Michigan’s Houdini act on Saturday, the offense would prefer you remember the first half — not the second. Michigan (4-0) boasted the nation’s top rushing attack ahead of the Rutgers game and only rushed for 112 yards, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. That number was even worse in the second half, when starting backs Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins struggled to find holes. “Obviously we were happy that we got the (win), but as an o-line we didn’t put our best performance together that second half,” Hayes said. “We didn’t have that same energy, I guess, coming out in the second half.

Against Rutgers, Michigan’s offense picked up right where it left off versus Northern Illinois, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions. But the Wolverines didn’t find the end zone the rest of game, including four straight three-and-outs to start the second half. They held on to win 20-13 and improve to 4-0, but how concerning was Michigan’s offensive performance as the team gets set to face its toughest test yet Saturday at Wisconsin? MLive’s Ryan Zuke, Aaron McMann and Andrew Kahn discuss on the latest episode of “Wolverine Confidential” podcast. Listen via the embedded player below (click here if you can’t see it) or by searching for us, “Wolverine Confidential,” on your preferred podcasting platform.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan could have one of its best defensive players back on the field Saturday against Wisconsin. Ross’s absence was notable in the second half against the Scarlet Knights. True freshman Junior Colson and redshirt freshmen Nikhai Hill-Green and Kalel Mullings primarily rotated at Michigan’s insider linebacker positions the rest of the game. In the second half, Rutgers had 231 yards of its 352 yards of total offense. “When Josh Ross went out, particularly, we were affected there,” Harbaugh told reporters Monday.

Michigan’s 95.2 overall grade through four games still ranks third nationally, but there were still a few grades against Rutgers that stood out. PFF grades every player on every play in multiple facets of the game, such as passing, rushing, receiving, pass blocking, run defense, etc. With that in mind, here are three takeaways from PFF’s grades of the Rutgers game. Michigan receives best run defense grade of the season? Best guess for the high run defense grade is Michigan’s effectiveness in short-yardage situations.

Welcome to the “Michigan played poorly but still managed to win” portion of the college football season. Glad you could make it!

ANN ARBOR, MI - A fan was arrested for sexual assault and 10 others were ejected at Saturday’s University of Michigan football game versus Rutgers. Michigan law states the punishment for this offense is imprisonment for no more than two years or a $500 fine or both. Last week versus Northern Illinois saw one fan arrested for resisting and obstructing police, while the Sept. 11 night game versus Washington was for assault. Read more: 1 fan arrested, 1 ejected during University of Michigan’s win over Northern IllinoisRead more: 1 fan arrested, 3 ejected from University of Michigan football game versus WashingtonThe 10 ejections are also more than the six combined ejections from the first three home games. Read more: 2 fans ejected from first University of Michigan football game of 2021Additionally, there were 35 incidents that required emergency assistance from paramedics, police said.

Michigan’s win over Rutgers may not have been impressive, but it did enough to jump Jim Harbaugh’s team in the polls. 14, in this week’s AP Top 25 and USA Today AFCA Coaches’ polls, unveiled Sunday afternoon. See the polls: AP Top 25 | USA Today AFCA Coaches’More: For Michigan’s offense, a tale of two halves ... and concernTheir No. This week, Michigan checks in as the fourth-highest ranked Big Ten team in the AP Top 25, behind Penn State (No. As a reminder, neither the AP Top 25 or USA Today Coaches’ polls help determine the four-team College Football Playoff.

Michigan (4-0) didn’t pick up a first down in the second half until the 5-minute mark of the fourth quarter. His starting quarterback, Cade McNamara, echoed similar thoughts afterward — but also took some of the blame. “We were extremely efficient in the first half,” said McNamara, who finished 9 of 16 for 163 yards and zero touchdowns. That’s what it’s going to come down to.”More: More Michigan’s offense, a tale of two halves ... and concernThrough four games, McNamara has been efficient. After the Wolverines stopped Rutgers on fourth-and-10 in Michigan territory, McNamara hit receiver Mike Sainristil on a 51-yard completion that moved the offense inside the 5-yard line.

Michigan’s struggles in the second half are reflected in our stock report from Saturday’s game. STOCK DOWNMichigan’s run defenseThe Scarlet Knights didn’t look like an offense that ranked 10th in the Big Ten in rushing entering Saturday. Losing Ross to an injury late in the second quarter was costly, but Michigan allowing 196 yards on the ground was surprising. On Rutgers’ second drive of the third quarter, Hill-Green had a roughing the passer penalty that put the Scarlet Knights in the red zone. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

The University of Michigan Wolverines defeated Rutgers University Scarlet Knights at the Big House Saturday.

Michigan and Rutgers open Big Ten play Saturday afternoon, and MLive will be there providing live updates throughout. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m.How to watch Michigan vs. Rutgers: TV channel, kickoff time, live streamBoth teams are 3-0 and rank in the top five nationally in scoring margin, but the Wolverines enter Saturday close to a three-touchdown betting favorite. Michigan leads the nation in rushing and is allowing just 11.2 points per game. The Scarlet Knights have wins over Temple (61-14), Syracuse (17-7) and Delaware (45-13), but Michigan will be their toughest test yet. Michigan is 6-1 all-time against Rutgers, including a 48-42 overtime victory last season in Piscataway.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Big Ten play is here, and Michigan will kick things off against another unbeaten team in Rutgers. You have to go all the way back to 2011 to find the last time Michigan rushed for 300-plus yards in three straight games. Rutgers is giving up just 113 rushing yards per game, a figure inflated some by an impressive 33-carry, 168-yard performance by FCS Delaware last Saturday. It will be hard to replace him — and I expect Michigan to take advantage of his absence. __________________Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Michigan and Rutgers kick off Big Ten play at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Michigan Stadium. Game InformationWho: Michigan Wolverines (3-0) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0)When: 3:30 p.m.Where: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Michigan)Twitter: Aaron McMann, Ryan Zuke, Andrew KahnLive updates: Follow along at mlive.com/wolverinesPoint spread: Michigan -20.5How to WatchTV Network: ABC (Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Molly McGrath)Streaming-only options:Watch & DVR College Football Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable. WatchESPN | Hulu + Live TV | Sling | YouTube TVMajor cable providers:Comcast: Channel 65/256 (HD) | StreamingSpectrum: Channel 45/778 (HD) | StreamingDish: Channel 410 | StreamingDIRECTV: Channel 610 | Streaming*Channel numbers listed are for Michigan subscribers and may change by geographic area. But after an impressive 3-0 start, there appears to be some validity to those sentiments. *Rutgers is off to a 3-0 start, but does it have a legitimate shot at pulling off an upset Saturday?

Michigan and Rutgers took care of business during the non-conference portion of their schedules.

With the Michigan Wolverines already listed as a heavy betting favorite for Saturday’s contest against Rutgers, a local sportsbook is giving bettors even more incentive to place a wager on the game. FanDuel has launched a special promotion that is increasing the spread of the game in favor of Michigan, who is already expected to win easily. Known as the “spread the love” bet, FanDuel is increasing the spread of the game by a full point for every 500 fans who place a wager on Michigan to cover the spread. However, with the FanDuel promotion, as of Thursday morning, Michigan was already listed at +18.5. That doesn’t mean the promotion guarantees a win and as with any sports bet, the bettor takes on some risk.

Rutgers is geographically distanced from the Big Ten’s elite programs. Since joining the Big Ten, Rutgers is a combined 1-25 against Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Penn State. On consecutive weeks in October of 2016, Rutgers lost 58-0 to Ohio State and 78-0 to Michigan. Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Ohio State looks vulnerable and Indiana has already lost twice. Related: Big Ten football power rankings: Are Michigan, Michigan State title contenders?

Don’t tell Michigan defensive end Mike Morris that the Wolverines are big favorites against Rutgers on Saturday. The Wolverines embraced the underdog mentality before the season kicked off Sept. 4, and a dominating 3-0 start hasn’t changed that. “We know as soon as we lose one game, everyone’s gonna be like, ‘Michigan sucks again,’” Morris told reporters outside of Schembechler Hall on Monday. We don’t want that to happen again, so we’re just gonna continue to play with that chip on our shoulder. “I think It is just determination and drive,” Clinkscale said on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show Monday night.

Their struggles have opened the door, in the East at least, for Michigan and Michigan State. RutgersLW: 7; overall: 3-0; Big Ten: 0-0; next: at No. MichiganLW: 5; overall: 3-0; Big Ten: 0-0; next: RutgersThe Wolverines are the No. Michigan StateLW: 4; overall: 3-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: NebraskaThe Spartans are compiling quite the September résumé. Penn StateLW: 2; overall: 3-0; Big Ten: 1-0; next: VillanovaMaybe that’s why SEC teams don’t play nonconference road games too often.

Under Harbaugh, Michigan has only twice started a season 4-0, and both years yielded very different results. “The biggest (thing) is just how hard they’re playing,” Harbaugh said. Really, really good. Playing really hard. “The defensive staff, the offensive staff — real cohesive, real good,” Harbaugh said.

The Wolverines’ Oct. 2 game at Wisconsin has been assigned a noon ET kick off by FOX, which will broadcast the game live from Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. The announcement came Monday afternoon by the Big Ten, which unveiled start times and TV network designations for all Week 5 games. If Michigan can take of business, Jim Harbaugh’s team will head into the Wisconsin game with an unblemished record and all eyes on it. Michigan is still waiting on kickoff times and TV assignments for five games, including the Oct. 30 showdown with Michigan State in East Lansing. __________________Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Michigan’s football team couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the 2021 season, dominating Northern Illinois 63-10 Saturday to improve to 3-0. But now the true tests begin as the team opens Big Ten play this week against Rutgers. Michigan isn’t the only Big Ten team off to a hot start, though, and a few others arguably haven’t lived up to expectations through the first month of the season. So how much does the Wolverines’ hot start change the outlook of their season and the Big Ten pecking order? MLive’s Ryan Zuke, Aaron McMann and Andrew Kahn discuss on the latest episode of “Wolverine Confidential.”Listen below, by clicking here, or anywhere you find podcasts.

With Big Ten play on deck and the competition expected to heat up, Michigan’s football enters another game week as a big betting favorite. Oddsmakers have set the Wolverines as an early double-digit, two-touchdown-plus favorite in their Saturday game against Rutgers (3:30 p.m., ABC), with major bookmakers BetMGM, DraftKings and Caesars all listing Michigan -18.5 points. The victory extended the Wolverines’ winning streak over Rutgers to six games, a series that has been largely lopsided since Michigan’s 2014 loss. Through three games this season, Michigan (3-0) is not only unbeaten but perfect against the spread, covering the number each time. __________________Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling

Cade McNamara, the starting quarterback on the Michigan football team, has signed an endorsement deal with the cryptocurrency company MORE Management.

Of the 14 Big Ten football teams, those were the only two that played all nine scheduled games last season. COVID-19 resulted in 13 conference games being canceled but, as previously determined, they were all ruled no-contest and didn’t count in the records. That update came after SEC commissioner Greg Sankey this week said the conference won’t postpone games and will consider them forfeits if a team can’t play due to COVID-19. “One of the things that we’re working on right now is … our schools are finalizing their proposed policies and procedures for the fall,” Warren said. Warren, now in his second year as the commissioner, said he doesn’t regret decisions made last year leading into the season.

With season ticket interest collected and a near-capacity stadium expected, Michigan has unveiled ticket prices and on-sale dates for its seven-game home football schedule this fall. Like with ticket packs, individual game tickets will first be available to donors of the school’s athletic department. The Wolverines are scheduled to open the 2021 football season Sept. 4 against Western Michigan (noon, ESPN), the first of four straight home games that include Washington (Sept. 11), Northern Illinois (Sept. 18) and Rutgers (Sept. 25). Michigan posted a 2-4 record in 2020, a season that was played without fans in the stands due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 1, the state of Michigan lifted all outdoor gathering restrictions, paving the way for full college football stadiums this fall.

YPSILANTI – Two Power Five football transfer players have chosen to take their talents to Ypsilanti. Eastern Michigan announced the additions of former Rutgers defensive back Jarrett Paul and former Oregon State receiver I’Shawn Stewart to their team Wednesday afternoon. Paul, a Brooklyn native, was a 3-star recruit when he first attended Rutgers. Stewart, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, was also a 3-star recruit prior to joining the Beavers in the PAC 12. The 5-foot-10 receiver redshirted in 2018, played two games in 2019 before not seeing game action again in 2020.

Head coach Carol Hutchins and the players were dismayed by their tournament draw. STORY: Michigan softball won’t host NCAA regional, heads to Seattle“The NCAA committee, I’m not very pleased with at all,” Hutchins said after Sunday’s selection show. The Big Ten received just three bids – Michigan, Minnesota and Northwestern – and none are hosting. “They absolutely said it’s just tough luck you didn’t get to play outside your conference,” Hutchins said of the NCAA selection committee. Of course, we’ll spend all day Wednesday traveling.”RELATED: Here are Michigan softball’s best 25 players of all time

Michigan’s Meghan Beaubien was perfect against Rutgers on Saturday. The senior pitcher did not allow a baserunner in an 11-0 five-inning victory, helping the Wolverines (35-6) cap a doubleheader sweep. She struck out two and needed just 62 pitches to mow down the Scarlet Knights (8-35) in order. RELATED: With Big Ten title clinched, Michigan softball looks to impress selection committee during final seriesMichigan’s offense provided plenty of support. The Wolverines, who clinched the Big Ten title last weekend, also rolled in the opener.

Michigan State football has a date with Louisiana in 2024 and has rescheduled canceled games from 2020 against Toledo and BYU.

Michigan’s baseball team opened the season earning at least a split in each of its first 10 series of the year. The 23rd-ranked Wolverines rallied to beat Rutgers 6-4 Friday in the series opener but lost the final two games on Saturday and Sunday, falling 4-2 and 3-2, respectively, in Ann Arbor. They still took a 2-0 lead into the sixth before Rutgers (14-13) scored all four of its runs in the inning. Highlights: Michigan Rallies Late to Top Rutgers in Series OpenerRecap: https://t.co/smlaKy4Kll #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/32gGAX5SVk — Michigan Baseball (@umichbaseball) April 24, 2021Relievers Isaiah Paige, Joe Pace and Willie Weiss combined for four shutout innings, allowing two hits and zero walks while striking out five. The Wolverines travel to Evanston, Illinois for four games this weekend.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBS) — Rutgers University is requiring students enrolled for the 2021 fall semester to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. The decision comes after assurances from the federal government that the vaccine will be available for all Americans by the end of May. “We are committed to health and safety for all members of our community, and adding COVID-19 vaccination to our student immunization requirements will help provide a safer and more robust college experience for our students,” Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway said. Any student enrolled in a fully remote online degree program and individuals participating in online-only continuing education programs will not be required to get the vaccine. “Since the start of the pandemic, we have said that the safety of the Rutgers community is a shared responsibility,” Antonio Calcado, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Rutgers, said.

7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft? But ESPN’s Mel Kiper has been publishing mock draft predictions for *checks notes* more than 30 years, and he’s suggesting the Lions could trade down. In Kiper’s latest mock draft, the Lions trade the No. And then the Lions take Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons. Here’s what Kiper says:With the Lions moving down in my mock trade with the 49ers, that takes them out of the quarterback race but gives them extra draft capital.

4 Ohio State on Sunday. AdJacob Young scored 16 points for Rutgers, which led early but lacked the offensive sharpness necessary to keep up with Michigan. Rutgers missed the Top 25 by only two spots this week, but the Scarlet Knights couldn't come up with the upset Thursday. UP NEXTRutgers: The Scarlet Knights host Maryland on Sunday. Michigan: The Wolverines play at Ohio State.

The 2021 Big Ten tournament will be relocated from Chicago to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the Big Ten announced on Tuesday. The move will also reduce travel for teams bound for the NCAA Tournament, to be held the week following the Big Ten tournament. The NCAA Tournament will be held entirely in the state of Indiana, and CBS Sports reported last week that teams likely to qualify for the NCAA Tournament will remain in Indianapolis between the two events. The Big Ten tournament is scheduled to return to Chicago in 2023. It’s scheduled to be held in Indianapolis again in 2022, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The Michigan State head coach turned 66 on Saturday. And the birthday comes one day before Michigan State takes on a brutal scheduling stretch: a pair of road games at ranked teams in a span of three days. That stretch will be the start of a close to the season in which Michigan State will look to sew up its 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament bid. Michigan State was unable to practice during 11 of those days. But he wasn’t ready to use the layoff as an excuse in the Rutgers game or any other game going forward.

FILE - Villanova head coach Jay Wright gestures during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Georgetown in Washington, in this Saturday, March 7, 2020, file photo. South Carolina, 3-2 this season, has had seven scheduled games called off because of COVID-19. ___Xavier's scheduled men's basketball game Saturday at Seton Hall has been postponed because of COVID-19 related issues within the Xavier program. ___The Atlantic Coast Conference says Saturday’s men’s basketball game between Georgia Tech and North Carolina State has been postponed. ___Michigan State is postponing a second straight men's basketball game due to a COVID-19 outbreak within its basketball program.

Gonzaga has played one close game, a five-point win over West Virginia, and is winning by nearly 18 points per game. The Hawkeyes dropped a spot in this week's AP Top 25 after losing by 11 to Gonzaga. 19 Michigan, which moved up six spots in this week's poll, faces Nebraska. RANKED VS. RANKED: Two games on Wednesday feature ranked teams facing each other. 13 Creighton (6-2), which dropped four spots in this week's poll after losing to Marquette.

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker pumps his fist after the team defeated Michigan in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)In yet another twist to this crazy college football season, a matchup between Maryland and Michigan State has been canceled a second time after an outbreak of COVID-19 in College Park. The Terrapins (2-3) were slated to face the Spartans (2-5) on Saturday night as part of the Big Ten “Champions Week.”But on Thursday afternoon, Maryland released this statement:“Under the guidance and advice from university medical staff, Maryland Athletics has canceled Saturday’s scheduled football game against Michigan State. “Our team has demonstrated a tremendous work ethic, resolve and displayed Maryland pride throughout this unique season. Home games against Ohio State and two against Michigan State was called off because of a COVID-19 outbreak in College Park, and the Dec. 5 game at Michigan was canceled because of virus issue among the Wolverines. ___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25

The Scarlet Knights scored 14 points total through their first five Big Ten games last year. Rocky Lombardi was sacked and fumbled, giving Rutgers the ball at the Michigan State 1. Michigan State lost another fumble near midfield on its first possession of the third. A slow start wasn't much of a surprise, and even beyond all the turnovers, Michigan State looked disorganized on some key plays. Michigan State: The Spartans have a lot of improving to do heading into next weekend's matchup — on the road against rival Michigan.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football’s rivalry game against Michigan State will kick off at noon on Halloween. Due to the irregularities created by the pandemic-shortened schedule, the Spartans will be forced to travel to Ann Arbor for the second year in a row. 21 Minnesota, while Michigan State hosts Rutgers. Last season, Michigan defeated Michigan State 44-10 at the Big House, marking the second-straight victory for the Maize and Blue in the rivalry. READ: Which Michigan football jersey number duo will be most valuable this season?

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Here is the new eight-game schedule for Michigan State football as the Big Ten prepares to start its 2020 season in late October. Oct. 24: vs. RutgersOct. 31: at MichiganNov. 7: at IowaNov. 14: vs. IndianaNov. 21: at MarylandNov. 28: vs. NorthwesternDec. 5: vs. Ohio StateDec. 12: at Penn StateThe Spartans are scheduled to begin the season Oct. 24 against Rutgers. Michigan State will play all six of its fellow East Division foes: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana, Maryland and Rutgers. Iowa and Northwestern will be the two crossover games. The Big Ten announced earlier this week that fall football was being reinstated, about a month after the league’s presidents voted to push the season to the spring.

Parsons and Oregon tackle Penei Sewell are among 11 players selected who are not slated to play this fall. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons and Oregon tackle Penei Sewell are among 11 players selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America first team who are not slated to play this fall. Tackles x-Penei Sewell, junior, Oregon; Alex Leatherwood, senior, Alabama. Linebackers y-Micah Parsons, junior, Penn State; x-Hamilcar Rashed Jr., senior, Oregon State; Dylan Moses, senior, Alabama. Safeties x-Jevon Holland, junior, Oregon; Trevon Moehrig, junior, TCU.

Shea Patterson calls out to his teammates while playing Maryland on Oct. 6, 2018, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Sloppy, wet conditions made passing difficult against Notre Dame, but Patterson still managed to toss a pair of touchdown passes. That all came to fruition Saturday in one of Michigans most important games: Michigan State. Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a win over the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State Spartans 44-10.

The Fighting Illini rode the wave of momentum from their thrilling 24-23 upset win over No. LINE: Illinois - 20.5"To put two Big Ten games together like that is big for our program," Illinois coach Lovie Smith told reporters. "I was really happy to see them have the opportunity to go out and celebrate and enjoy a win," Rutgers interim coach Nunzio Campanile told reporters. Isaih Pacheco added 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns while Eddie Lewis and Isaiah Washington each caught the first touchdown passes of their college careers. Fighting Illini LB Dele Harding is ranked fifth nationally in tackles per game (11.8).

(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers looks to snap its six-game losing streak when it hosts non-conference foe Liberty on Saturday. LINE: Liberty -7.5Stephen Calvert has thrown for 1,920 yards and 15 touchdowns to lead Liberty's offense, which is averaging 29.6 points per game. Rutgers' offense has been stuck in first gear all season, scoring a total of 14 points over its last four games. Rutgers' 11.1 points per game is the worst scoring average in the country. PREDICTION: Liberty 28, Rutgers 13More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

16 Minnesota looks to keep its perfect record intact when it hosts Maryland in Big Ten play on Saturday. LINE: Minnesota -17"You just have to bring your best every Saturday," Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan told reporters. "They're playing with a great amount of confidence because they've won the close games that we haven't." Maryland has forced a turnover in 19 straight games, which is the second-longest streak in the nation. PREDICTION: Minnesota 38, Maryland 20More college football scores

Wide Receiver Nico Collins #4 of the Michigan Wolverines gets tackled by defensive back Jaylon McClinton #7 of the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Josh Metellus #14 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Daxton Hill #30 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball after making a catch against the Army Black Knights on a fake punt during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 7, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After this stretch, absolutely no games are guaranteed, so Michigan needs to be 5-1 at the end of the first half. Michigan could still salvage the 2019 season, but it has to start this weekend and carry over into the following two weeks.

(CNN) - Sometimes a touchdown is so exciting, you just gotta ... uh... punch your quarterback in the face? That's exactly what Rutgers center Mike Maietti did on Saturday, when the Scarlet Knights scored against the Boston College Eagles. After Rutgers quarterback Art Sitkowski connected with wide open running back Raheem Blackshear on a 74-yard pass, Maietti ran to Sitkowski, picked him up, and punched him straight in the face. Sitkowski's head whipped back and the two carried on celebrating like nothing strange happened. Sadly, Rutgers couldn't punch its way to a victory.

Shea Patterson (left) and Justin Fields (right) could be the top two quarterbacks in the Big Ten this season. With fewer than 50 days remaining until the start of college football, here's a look at the Big Ten quarterback rankings, from No. He transferred to Northwestern and sat out the 2018 season, so many fans have forgotten about him. For his career, Stanley owns a 57.7% completion rate with 5,346 passing yards, 52 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Martinez finished the season with 17 passing touchdowns and eight rushing touchdowns.