Piscataway, NJ. — Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr delivered a clutch performance Saturday afternoon, using his arm and his legs to guide the Wolverines to a hard-fought 28-21 victory over Rutgers at SHI Stadium.
On a sunny Halloween afternoon, Carr provided the difference in a game filled with penalties, missed opportunities and momentum swings. The Michigan quarterback completed 22 of 27 passes for a career-best 266 yards and a touchdown while connecting with nine different receivers. His two rushing touchdowns, however, proved decisive.
Michigan improved its record with another victory over Rutgers, extending its winning streak against the Scarlet Knights to 10 consecutive games.
The Wolverines appeared to be in control early, scoring on their first two offensive possessions for the first time this season. Carr connected with JJ Buchanan on a six-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter to get Michigan on the scoreboard.
However, Michigan struggled to put the game away. Penalties, defensive breakdowns and an inconsistent running game allowed Rutgers to remain within striking distance.
Carr gave the Wolverines some breathing room early in the third quarter, breaking loose for a 15-yard touchdown run on third down to help Michigan establish a 21-13 advantage.
Michigan had an opportunity to extend the lead, but kicker Trey Butkowski missed a 35-yard field goal, his second missed attempt of the afternoon. Another offensive setback followed when running back Jordan Marshall stumbled on third-and-1, forcing Michigan into a fourth-down situation.
The game took another turn when Rutgers returner Quentin Redding mishandled a punt and Michigan appeared to recover the loose ball. Officials, however, called kick-catch interference against the Wolverines, despite Zeke Berry appearing to be approximately two yards away when the ball was touched.
Rutgers took advantage of the opportunity. Running back Antwan Raymond broke free for a 54-yard run, putting the Scarlet Knights in scoring position. Two plays later, Clay Thevenin powered into the end zone on a one-yard touchdown run. Rutgers converted the two-point attempt, tying the game at 21 with 11:43 remaining.
With the game on the line, Carr and the Michigan offense responded with their most important possession of the afternoon.
The Wolverines marched 75 yards on 11 plays, consuming 7 minutes and 19 seconds before Carr finished the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run on third-and-7. His ability to escape pressure and extend plays kept the drive moving and ultimately put Michigan back in front.
Rutgers had another opportunity to answer, but the Scarlet Knights were forced to punt with 3:17 remaining. Michigan never surrendered possession again.
Facing third-and-1, the Wolverines lined up in a jumbo offensive formation. Carr kept the ball on a quarterback sneak around the left side, fighting through contact to gain three yards and secure the first down. Michigan was then able to run out the clock.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham praised Carr’s composure and decision-making throughout the contest, particularly when the Wolverines faced pressure.
“He’s unflappable, he never panics, he’s very calm and collected,” Whittingham said. “His pocket presence was outstanding. He kept his eyes downfield a bunch of the times to find some receivers. He tucked it and ran. He did a lot of good things.”
Carr’s performance was especially impressive considering he had been dealing with a cold throughout the week. He acknowledged that the previous two days had been difficult but said he felt better by game day.
“Yesterday and the day before were pretty rough, but today was a lot better,” Carr said. “I’m still dealing with it as you can tell. I’m a little stuffy still.”
He also credited experience and preparation for helping him become more comfortable leading the offense.
“I think you definitely get more comfortable with more experience. You have to just get better each and every week. I think you always gotta be ready, taking every rep in practice like it’s a game,” Carr said.
Rutgers, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency through the air. With starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan unavailable because of an undisclosed injury, AJ Surace was given the opportunity to lead the offense. Surace completed just three of 12 passes for 123 yards, but one completion resulted in an explosive 80-yard touchdown to Jourdin Houston.
The Scarlet Knights fell to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in Big Ten play. Rutgers has now allowed at least 25 points in each of its six losses this season.
Head coach Greg Schiano expressed disappointment with the outcome but maintained that his team was making progress.
“I’m very disappointed in the result, but not disappointed in the people,” Schiano said. “We’re getting better but not as quickly as I would like.”
One of Rutgers’ biggest problems was its inability to get Michigan’s offense off the field. The Wolverines converted 12 of 16 third-down opportunities, allowing them to sustain drives and control possession.
“If we are going to win football games, we have to find a way to get off the field,” Schiano said.
The Takeaway
Michigan: The Wolverines continue to search for consistency in the running game. Savion Hiter, Bryson Kuzdzal and Jordan Marshall combined for 113 rushing yards, while Carr added another 54. Michigan has yet to produce a 100-yard rusher this season. Carr’s ability to make plays with his legs helped compensate for the limited production from the backfield.
Rutgers: The availability of wide receiver KJ Duff remains a significant concern. The preseason second-team AP All-American left in the first quarter after taking a hit on a pass-interference play. Although he briefly returned to the field, he did not appear again. Schiano acknowledged that the injury could potentially keep Duff out for the remainder of the season.
“We are not certain if he will be able to play again this year,” Schiano said.
What’s Next:
Michigan returns home next Saturday to host rival Michigan State in another important Big Ten matchup.
Rutgers faces a difficult road assignment, traveling to take on No. 25 Wisconsin next Saturday as the Scarlet Knights look to get back on track.
