Jim Harbaugh is back.
After serving a three-game suspension to start the season, the Michigan head coach returns to the sidelines for the Big Ten opener against Rutgers. the Wolverines have done well without Harbaugh at the helm, going 3-0 and ranking No. 2 in the AP poll. But their most recent performance against Bowling Green is not the one they should be proud of as they prepare for undefeated Rutgers. JJ McCarthy had his worst performance yet, completing only eight of 14 passes for 141 yards. He had two touchdowns, sure, but added three interceptions.
Michigan cranked out wins, maybe looking too content. This overconfidence may not be dangerous when they go up against Rutgers, but could be costly as Big Ten play continues. Unfortunately for the Scarlet Knights, though, Michigan has a defensive wall made of bricks; it's only allowed one touchdown so far.
Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt only has 407 passing yards and three touchdowns on the season. Like its opponent, Rutgers relies much on its rushing game led by Kyle Monangai. The Wolverines have yet to face a strong rushing team, so the Scarlet Knights may find some holes there with Monangai if they're lucky.
MORE: Watch Michigan vs. Rutgers live with Fubo (free trial)
It'll be a rugged game for the Scarlet Knights as they look to build on a 3-0 start. For better or for worse, it hopefully won't be like last season's loss where Rutgers led at halftime only to be trampled by the Wolverines in the second half. But if the goal is to simply be bowl-eligible by the end of the year, unlike last season, then learning more about this team early on is a win of its own.
What channel is Michigan vs. Rutgers on today?
- TV channel: Big Ten Network
- Live stream: Fox Sports app, Fubo
Rutgers at Michigan can be watched on the Big Ten Network, which can be streamed on the Fox Sports app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Viewers in Canada can also watch Big Ten Network with Fubo.
MORE: Updated rankings of all FBS teams from 1-133
Michigan vs. Rutgers start time
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
- Kickoff: Noon ET
Michigan hosts its first Big Ten matchup of the season against Rutgers from the Big House in Ann Arbor. Kickoff is at noon on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Michigan football schedule 2023
| Date | Opponent | Start time (ET)/Result |
| Sept. 2 | vs. East Carolina | W, 30-3 |
| Sept. 9 | vs. UNLV | W, 35-7 |
| Sept. 16 | vs. Bowling Green | W, 31-6 |
| Sept. 23 | vs. Rutgers* | Noon |
| Sept. 30 | at Nebraska* | 3:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 7 | at Minnesota* | TBD |
| Oct. 14 | vs. Indiana* | TBD |
| Oct. 21 | at Michigan State* | TBD |
| Oct. 28 | BYE | |
| Nov. 4 | vs. Purdue* | TBD |
| Nov. 11 | at Penn State* | Noon |
| Nov. 18 | at Maryland* | TBD |
| Nov. 25 | vs. Ohio State* | Noon |
* Big Ten game
Rutgers football schedule 2023
| Date | Opponent | Start time (ET)/Result |
| Sept. 3 | vs. Northwestern* | W, 24-7 |
| Sept. 9 | vs. Temple | W, 36-7 |
| Sept. 16 | vs. Virginia Tech | W, 35-16 |
| Sept. 23 | at Michigan* | Noon |
| Sept. 30 | vs. Wagner | 3:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 7 | at Wisconsin* | TBD |
| Oct. 14 | vs. Michigan State* | Noon |
| Oct. 21 | at Indiana* | Noon |
| Oct. 28 | BYE | |
| Nov. 4 | vs. Ohio State* | TBD |
| Nov. 11 | at Iowa* | TBD |
| Nov. 18 | at Penn State* | TBD |
| Nov. 25 | vs. Maryland* | TBD |
*Big Ten game
