Michigan Football Defeats Rutgers Behind Qb Tommy Carr’s Go-ahead Td

The Michigan Wolverines got back in the win column with a 28-21 win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday. Michigan improved to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten play, as quarterback Tommy Carr erupted for a career-high 320 total yards and a go-ahead touchdown in the final minutes of the game.

Here’s the recap, highlights and stats.

First quarter

Michigan put together a 10-play, 92-yard drive to open the game, as Carr connected with wide receiver JJ Buchanan for a six-yard touchdown reception to take a 7-0 lead. Just moments before, Carr found wide receiver Salesi Moa for a 44-yard gain.

It was an impressive possession for Michigan, scoring an opening drive touchdown for just the second time this season. Carr connected on 4-for-5 passing attempts, including finding wide receiver Andrew Marsh for consecutive first downs.

Rutgers was hoping to respond with a touchdown of its own, but the drive eventually stalled as Michigan cornerback Smith Snowden had a clutch tackle to force a field goal. The Scarlet Knights cut the deficit to 7-3 with a 46-yard field goal.

Second quarter

The Wolverines continued to play at a high level offensively, scoring another touchdown to extend the lead to 14-3. Carr hit Buchanan for 30 yards to get into the red zone, and running back Jordan Marshall scored on a two-yard touchdown run.

It appeared Michigan was going to get a quick stop and force a punt, as edge rusher Benny Patterson III had a sack and tackle for loss. However, Snowden fell down and allowed Rutgers to score an 80-yard touchdown pass to trim it to 14-10.

Michigan had a chance to extend the lead, but kicker Trey Butkowski continued to struggle for a second straight week, missing a 48-yard field goal. Following a successful field goal from Rutgers, the Wolverines took a 14-13 lead into halftime.

HALFTIME: Michigan 14, Rutgers 13

Third quarter

The Wolverines started the second half just like the first half, marching down the field with an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Buchanan and Marsh had first-down receptions, and Carr scored on a 15-yard touchdown run to take a 21-13 lead.

On the ensuing drive, Michigan’s defense didn’t allow Rutgers to get any momentum as defensive tackle Enow Etta deflected a first down pass. Then, linebacker Troy Bowles recorded a tackle on back-to-back snaps to help force a punt.

The Wolverines looked like they would extend the lead to double figures after runs from running backs Savion Hiter and Bryson Kuzdzal that led to first downs. However, Butkowski missed yet another field goal, so the lead remained at 21-13.

Fourth quarter

Early in the fourth quarter, Michigan seemingly recovered a muffed punt that would have set the Wolverines up with great field position. But a controversial kick-catch interference was called, so Rutgers kept possession.

Rutgers took advantage of the new life, as running back Antwan Raymond took off for 54 yards to get in the red zone. Just moments later, Rutgers scored a touchdown and converted the two-point conversion to tie it up at 21-21 with 11:43 remaining.

On the ensuing possession, Carr put the Wolverines on his back with a go-ahead 11-play, 75-yard drive to go up 28-21. Carr converted a pair of third downs by finding tight end Hogan Hansen and Buchanan to move the sticks.

Following a first down run by Hiter, Carr escaped the pocket and weaved into the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown run. It was a great drive by the freshman, remaining poised and putting Michigan up with 4:24 to go in the game.

The Wolverines got a defensive stop, as safety Mason Curtis recorded a pass break up and a tackle to help force a punt. With an opportunity to run out the rest of the clock, Carr pushed the pile for a game-sealing first down to secure a victory.

FINAL: Michigan 28, Rutgers 21

Michigan stat leaders

• QB Tommy Carr: 22-for-27, 266 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 54 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
• RB Savion Hiter: 20 carries, 76 rushing yards
• WR JJ Buchanan: 5 receptions, 63 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
• WR Andrew Marsh: 7 receptions, 51 receiving yards
• TE Hogan Hansen: 3 receptions, 42 receiving yards
• DE Benny Patterson III: 7 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
• DB Chris Bracy: 6 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss
• DT Enow Etta: 2 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass deflection

Rutgers stat leaders

• QB AJ Surace: 3-for-12, 123 passing yards, 1 touchdown
• RB Antwan Raymond: 11 carries, 85 rushing yards
• WR Jourdin Houston: 1 reception, 80 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
• DB JJ Conyers: 9 total tackles

Up next

Michigan will host the Michigan State Spartans next Saturday, Nov. 7, with a chance to secure a fifth straight win in the rivalry.