Michigan Beats Rutgers 28-21 as Tommy Carr Runs for Two TDs and Throws for Another

Michigan left Piscataway with a hard-fought Big Ten road win on Saturday, Oct. 31, beating Rutgers 28-21 at SHI Stadium. Quarterback Tommy Carr, in just his second career start, accounted for three touchdowns, including the go-ahead 9-yard run with 4:24 left in the fourth quarter.

The win moves Michigan to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten. Rutgers falls to 2-6 and 1-4 in conference play.

What was the final score of Michigan vs. Rutgers?

Michigan won 28-21. The game kicked off at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Michigan led 14-3 early after back-to-back drives of more than 75 yards, but Rutgers answered with 10 points in the second quarter to make it a game at the half. The teams traded scores in the second half before Carr’s late run decided it, according to Michigan Athletics.

How did Tommy Carr play?

Carr completed 81% of his passes for 266 yards, per Michigan Athletics, and added 54 rushing yards. He found tight end JJ Buchanan for a 6-yard touchdown on Michigan’s opening drive, a 92-yard march, then ran in both of Michigan’s second-half touchdowns: a 15-yard score in the third quarter and the 9-yard game-winner, which capped an 11-play, 75-yard drive.

Running back Jordan Marshall scored on a 2-yard run in the first half, and Savion Hiter tied his career high with 80 yards on 20 carries.

What did Rutgers do well?

Rutgers’ biggest play came through the air: AJ Surace hit Jourdin Houston for an 80-yard touchdown, according to ESPN’s recap. But the Scarlet Knights struggled to move the ball after halftime. Michigan held Rutgers to 87 yards in the second half, forced two straight three-and-outs in the third quarter and did not allow a completion after the break, per Michigan Athletics. Rutgers completed just 25% of its passes overall.

Why does this result matter for Michigan?

It was a needed road win for a Michigan team that had dropped three games already. The Wolverines piled up 427 total yards, their third-highest total of the season, converted 12 of 16 third downs and held the ball nearly 15 minutes longer than Rutgers.

It was not clean, though. Michigan missed two field goals and was flagged for 90 penalty yards, which helped keep Rutgers within one score late.

What time does Michigan play next, and what channel?

Michigan hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff time and TV network had not been announced at publish time.

What’s next on the Rutgers football schedule?

At 2-6, Rutgers has a short runway left to chase bowl eligibility. Check the Scarlet Knights’ official schedule for next week’s opponent and kickoff time.

FAQ