Psychic Vibes: Five Specific Predictions For Michigan vs. Rutgers

Despite this weekend being the start of conference play, Michigan is once again expected to win big, this time over Rutgers.

With non-conference play now in the rearview mirror, Michigan will host Rutgers this weekend to kick things off in the Big Ten. Michigan, a 24-point favorite, has been up and down so far this year, so predicting how things will look against a pesky bunch of Scarlet Knights is tricky.

1. Donovan Edwards will score a touchdown

Okay, I'm not predicting this one very well so far, but it just has to happen at some point! Edwards is too damn talented to be kept in check like he has been. Yes, Rutgers is tough and the best defensive team Michigan will have seen so far, but Edwards is finding pay dirt. He's too good and too fast to not score a touchdown before too long.

2. JJ McCarthy will run it at least five times

We all know that Michigan wants to run the ball, but not necessarily with JJ McCarthy. With that said, I see No. 9 getting loose a few times tomorrow. Whether it's a designed run or two, or McCarthy sneaking out the back door a few times on a broke play, I think he'll notch at least five carries for positive yards.

3. Michigan will break 40 points

Michigan hasn't eclipsed 40 points yet, which is kind of crazy considering the three non-conference opponents. I think it happens against Rutgers, because the starters will play nearly the entire game and continue to run the normal brand of offense that has allowed the Wolverines to hit 30 in about a half of football three times so far. If McCarthy is in into the 4th quarter, Michigan is going north of 40 points.

4. Will Johnson, Rod Moore, Makari Paige, Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace will all play 

Okay, this one might be wishful thinking more than anything, but I honestly can't wait to see this secondary on the field together. It sounds like Rod Moore may still be working through something, so we may end up getting four of the five, but until the entire secondary is out there at the same time, we won't truly know how good this defense can be. Moore, along with Johnson and Sainristil, are in the discussion as one of the best players at their position in the entire country. Missing any of them is big and so far, Michigan has been without all of them at one point or another.

5. Michigan will pick off Gavin Wimsatt twice

So far, Rutgers' quarterback has not thrown an interception, but I think Michigan's pass rush and secondary talent changes that a couple of times. I also expect the Scarlet Knights to be down throughout the entire game, which forces them to pass more often and forces Wimsatt to take some uncharacteristic chances. Michigan's defense has been pretty solid and somewhat optimistic this season and I think it goes up a notch tomorrow with a conference opponent in the house.