Rutgers-Michigan Capsule

Rutgers (3-5, 1-4 Big Ten) at No. 16 Michigan (6-2, 3-1), 3:30 p.m. (BTN)

Line: Michigan by 21ˆ½

Series record: Rutgers leads 1-0

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Michigan must win to keep its hopes of finishing in at least a tie for first in its division. Rutgers needs a victory to improve its chances of earning a fifth straight bowl bid and of coach Kyle Flood keeping his job.

KEY MATCHUP

Michigan's secondary against Rutgers QB Chris Laviano. In the previous two games, the Wolverines gave up 645 yards passing, two touchdowns and didn't pick off a pass. Over the first six games, they allowed an average of 116 yards passing, a total of two scores through the air and had seven interceptions. Laviano connected on a mere 41 percent of his passes over the last two games - both blowout losses - for an average 74 yards without no TDs and two interceptions. When Rutgers was 3-3, Laviano was completing 69 percent of his passes and averaging 231 yards passing, two TDs and one interception per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rutgers: Leonte Carroo. He has nine receiving TDS, three more than anyone else in the Big Ten, and 28 TDs in 28 career games over three years. Carroo ranks among the nation's leaders with 22 yards per reception and is averaging 105 yards receiving.

Michigan: Jabrill Peppers. He was named Big Ten freshman of the week after making plays in all three phases last week at Minnesota. Peppers scored on a 6-yard run, one of four carries, broke up two passes and had a pair of 40-plus yard returns on special teams.

FACTS & FIGURES

Rutgers lost its last two games to top-ranked Ohio State and at Wisconsin by a combined score of 97-17. ... Michigan's previous two games were decided on the final play, beating Minnesota with a goal line stand and losing to Michigan State on a botched punt. ... The Scarlet Knights beat the Wolverines 26-24 last year for their first Big Ten victory.

___

AP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org