Greg Schiano on Michigan: 'There's absolutely no weaknesses in this team'

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano is well aware of the challenge of No. 2 Michigan this weekend. The Scarlet Knights (3-0) travel to take on the two-time defending Big Ten champions in Jim Harbaugh’s return.

Michigan (3-0) is rolling into Big Ten play this season and is a popular pick to return to the College Football Playoff. Is there a loss on the schedule? It’ll be very tough.

In fact, Schiano is expecting the country’s best team Saturday afternoon.

“Great challenge, No. 2 team in the country,” Schiano said. “Probably could be easily ranked No. 1; they are that good. There’s absolutely no weaknesses in this team. When you look at what they have, their offensive line, two-time reigning Joe Moore Offensive Line of the Year, an experienced quarterback who can both run and throw accurately, deep, do all the things — he’s a future first rounder at quarterback. They have two running backs that are as good as anybody’s in the country. A slew of receivers, tight ends.”

No weaknesses? You should see the defense.

Schiano, a defensive minded coach, knows his offense could face the toughest challenge all season with the Wolverines.

“Flip it over to defense: Their defensive line is maybe the best in the country,” Schiano said. “Big, physical, deep. Linebackers run and hit. Secondary covers well. Kicking game, they have specialists that are arguably the best in the nation.”

Greg Schiano knows Rutgers has huge challenge with Michigan

Rutgers is currently a 24.5 point underdog against Michigan.

“So definitely a tall order, but we need to make sure we take care of us,” Schiano said. “That’s what we need to do and that’s what we’ll do in preparation, and then a great opportunity to go out to Ann Arbor and go play. So looking forward to it.”

The Scarlet Knights are in a different place than Michigan, clearly. But Schiano could have the best team of his second stint with the school, now halfway to bowl eligibility.

But with only one over Michigan since joining the conference, a win in Ann Arbor might be hard to come by.

Schiano and Rutgers fell 52-17 at home last season after holding a 17-14 lead at halftime. The two years before that under Schiano? They were razor close.

In 2020, Rutgers had a chance, but lost 48-42 in triple overtime in Piscataway and fell short in Ann Arbor in 2021, losing 20-13.

So when Schiano looks at Michigan, featuring JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, a coach in Harbaugh and a dominant defense, it’s quite the mountain to climb.