Burning Questions For Michigan Football Heading Into Rutgers

Michigan is coming off a frustrating 13-6 overtime loss to Indiana, and the pressure is mounting on Kyle Whittingham and his coaching staff to get things figured out offensively. Rutgers presents an opportunity for the Wolverines to get back on track, particularly against a defense that ranks No. 128 nationally against the run.

Here are the biggest questions surrounding Michigan heading into Saturday's road matchup with Rutgers.

It seems like it should be Tommy Carr, but should it? Kyle Whittingham hasn't committed to Carr as the starter moving forward, despite the freshman replacing Underwood against Penn State and starting against Indiana. After Michigan's offensive struggles against the Hoosiers, does Carr get another opportunity, or will the coaching staff turn back to Underwood? 

Rutgers ranks No. 128 nationally against the run, making this arguably Michigan's best opportunity to get Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter going. Whittingham has repeatedly emphasized the importance of running the football. If the Wolverines can't do it against Rutgers, when will they?

Whittingham has acknowledged that his offensive staff isn't getting the job done. He's also admitted that he's made midseason coordinator changes before. Will Beck adjust his play-calling, formations and overall offensive philosophy, or will Michigan continue running an offense that has struggled throughout the season? If Michigan can't find some rhythm and continuity against a defense like Rutgers, it's simply not going to happen.

The offensive line has been one of Michigan's biggest disappointments this season. Poor protection, inconsistent run blocking and costly sacks have repeatedly derailed drives. Against a struggling Rutgers defense, can the Wolverines finally control the line of scrimmage and give their quarterback time to operate?

Michigan had opportunities to beat Indiana but couldn't finish the job, ultimately falling 13-6 in overtime. With the season slipping away from preseason expectations, how will Whittingham's team respond? Each heartbreaking loss takes a toll. Michigan now has now left stadiums with a broken heart three times, and kind of four even though the season opener was technically a win against Western Michigan. There's only so much an athlete can take. The coaches and players are saying the right things to the media, but losing in the final moments is definitely draining and U-M has now done that against Minnesota, Iowa and Indiana. Will the Wolverines come out motivated and aggressive, or will the frustration from another disappointing performance carry over?