The season has gone just about as well as Rutgers could have hoped.

The Scarlet Knights are currently 3-0 after a big win in a swing game against Virginia Tech. Now, the Big Ten gauntlet begins with a trip to Ann Arbor to take on No. 2 Michigan. The game itself might be decided to many already but there is plenty to look at when thinking about placing a wager.

Before you go ahead and make any major decisions, check out some trends between the two sides.

Point Spread

Rutgers enters this game as underdog for the first time this season. Michigan is a 24-point favorite at home this weekend.

The Scarlet Knights are currently 3-0 ATS while Michigan is 0-3. The Wolverines have been huge favorites in each of its first three games against inferior competition. They have not created separation on the scoreboard that many have expected. Michigan has played three similar games. It has scored 30 or more points in each game while holding opponents to single-digits. Michigan has allowed just 17 points this season.

As for Rutgers, it has been a single-digit point favorite in each game and has covered each week. Of course, Michigan is the toughest opponent yet, and might be all year, so the stakes are a bit different. Last season, the Scarlet Knights were outscored 38-0 in the second half after leading Michigan at halftime. During its last trip to The Big House, Rutgers was within one score in the fourth quarter with the ball.

The history between these two teams should be thrown out the window given that both sides are improved. For Michigan, that means National Championship aspirations. For Rutgers, it is just hoping for a bowl game. To this point, a 24-point spread seems like a lot. There is a chance that Rutgers keeps this within two, maybe three, scores but should cover 24.

Total

The total for this game is set at 43.5. Rutgers and Michigan have played in six games combined and five have gone under.

For Michigan, the reason is simple. The Wolverines have not been lighting up the scoreboard but even with low totals, the defense has kept games under by not allowing points. This is more difficult to predict than the spread.

Rutgers needs to open up the playbook a bit this weekend. Kirk Ciarrocca has done a fantastic job as offensive coordinator over the first three weeks of the season but the competition is different. Do not be worried about adjustments given his experience in the Big Ten. A Rutgers’ offense against a Michigan defense could be worrisome.

On the other side, Michigan will have to go up against a stout Scarlet Knight defense, especially in the front seven. With that being said, the Wolverines have more of an ability to explode offensively. If Michigan goes for 35 or more, which is a possibility, the under will be in danger. It all depends on how you think the game will play out on both sides of the ball. Proceed with caution either way here.