Jim Harbaugh on Michigan defense in 31-7 win over Rutgers: 'They stepped up big time'

Michigan survived a tough first half and rolled to a 31-7 victory over Rutgers to improve to 4-0 on the season amid Jim Harbaugh’s return.

The Scarlet Knights scored first and put a little scare into the Wolverines as usual. But the No. 2 team in the country found a way and showed its might, including a pick six from Mike Sainristill.

After the game, Harbaugh spoke with Big Ten Network sideline reporter Brooke Fletcher.

“Well they stepped up big time and made the plays, the fourth downs you referred to, some big third down stops as well,” Harbaugh said

“Got the ball back for the offense made a huge play by Mike Sainristill. The difference maker right here. When you need somebody to make the magic happen, this guy right here does it right here.”

Sainristill added more context to what he saw on his game-changing play.

“We were in man coverage,” Sainristill said. “The guy I was covering showed me like he was going to pick Will Johnson. Soon as I saw it developing, I just turned my eyes to the quarterback. I knew No. 1 was coming back in. I saw the ball thrown, I knew it was go time.”

Quarterback JJ McCarthy could only smile ear-to-ear when he saw the defense score.

“I mean that’s the most beautiful thing an offense can see,” McCarthy said. “I mean, guy was on offense, on defense, still scoring points. I mean, I loved it. It was amazing. I didn’t expect anything less out of zero, that’s for sure.”

Overall, it could’ve been the Harbaugh return that sparked Michigan. Fletcher asked McCarthy if it catapulted the team.

“I mean, we’re a full team now,” McCarthy said. “We were full strength and it just motivates us so much more to get this win for (coach Harbaugh). And now we’re on to the next one.”

McCarthy had a better game this around with Harbaugh’s return. He finished 15-of-21 passing for 214 yards and a touchdown while adding 51 yards on the ground.

Blake Corum had 21 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns, but it was the defense that was the difference. The Wolverines limited Rutgers to 180 yards through the air and just 77 on the ground.

The Big Ten’s leading rusher, Kyle Monangai had just 11 carries for 27 yards for Rutgers.