Michigan Edges Rutgers 28-21 in Football Matchup
Michigan's quarterback Carr accounted for three touchdowns as the Wolverines beat Rutgers in a game featuring two missed Michigan field goals.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
Michigan defeated Rutgers 28-21 in a football game. Michigan's Carr threw a touchdown pass and rushed for two scores, while Rutgers' Houston caught an 80-yard touchdown pass.
Why it matters
The win gives Michigan a victory over a conference opponent and reflects a balanced offensive effort that combined passing and running for the team. For Michigan readers, the result highlights the Wolverines' ground and air production in a close contest.
Michigan completed 22 of 27 passes for 266 yards with no interceptions, while Rutgers completed 3 of 12 for 123 yards. Michigan's kicker Butkowski missed field goals of 47 and 35 yards, a detail the box score records but does not explain.
The players
Carr
Michigan quarterback who threw one touchdown pass and rushed for two touchdowns in the win.
Houston
Rutgers receiver who caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Surace, the longest play of the game.
The details
Michigan built a 14-7 lead through a first-quarter touchdown pass from Carr to Buchanan and a second-quarter run by J. Marshall, and Rutgers' Houston's 80-yard reception from Surace shortly after tied the game at 14. Carr added a 15-yard run in the third quarter and a 9-yard run in the fourth, while Rutgers' Thevenin scored on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Timeline
• Michigan defeated Rutgers on October 31, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The result adds to Michigan's season record in a Big Ten matchup, where balanced offensive production is measured against conference rivals' rushing and passing output. Rutgers' passing totals and two missed Michigan kicks show how small differences in execution shape a close score.
Carr's three touchdowns and 266 passing yards make him a key figure for fantasy and betting analysis in Michigan's remaining games. Michigan's two missed field goals in this game are relevant to kicking-depth questions heading into upcoming matchups.
The takeaway
Balanced rushing and passing output carried Michigan past Rutgers despite missed kicks, a reminder that total yardage and time of possession can decide close games.
Further reading
For more on Michigan's season, see Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison Courier.
