X-Factor: Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter Must Take Advantage of Rutgers' Struggling Run Defense

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham has spent much of the 2026 season talking about the importance of establishing a productive rushing attack. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, the results haven't come close to matching the expectations.

Between an inconsistent offensive line and a pair of talented running backs struggling to find room, Michigan's ground game has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season. However, Saturday's matchup against Rutgers presents perhaps the best opportunity yet to turn things around.

And that makes Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter the biggest X-Factors for the Wolverines this weekend.

Through seven games, Marshall leads Michigan with 319 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 81 carries, averaging just 3.94 yards per attempt. Hiter, meanwhile, has totaled 238 yards and two touchdowns on 67 attempts, averaging an even less impressive 3.55 yards per carry.

Combined, Michigan's top two running backs have managed just 557 yards on 148 carries, an average of 3.76 yards per attempt. For a program that wants to establish its identity through physicality and controlling the line of scrimmage, those numbers simply aren't good enough.

Fortunately, Rutgers has been absolutely dreadful when it comes to stopping opposing rushing attacks.

The Scarlet Knights rank No. 128 nationally in rushing defense, allowing a staggering 199.14 yards per game. Through seven contests, opponents have piled up 1,394 rushing yards on 239 attempts, averaging an eye-popping 5.83 yards per carry. Rutgers has also surrendered 13 rushing touchdowns.

Those numbers should have Michigan's offensive coaching staff licking its chops.

Of course, the responsibility doesn't fall entirely on Marshall and Hiter. Whittingham has repeatedly emphasized the need for better offensive line play, and that group must finally start creating consistent running lanes. Each week he talks about a lack of "knock-off" when it comes to the O-line's physicality. Michigan's backs have certainly left some yards on the field, but they've also frequently been forced to manufacture something out of nothing.

Against Rutgers, that simply cannot continue.

Establishing the run would also take considerable pressure off freshman quarterback Tommy Carr, who is still finding his footing after taking over the starting job. A productive rushing attack would create manageable third downs, open up play-action opportunities and prevent opposing defenses from focusing exclusively on the young quarterback.

Michigan doesn't need Marshall and Hiter to suddenly become the most explosive running back tandem in college football. It simply needs them to consistently move the chains, generate positive yardage and capitalize when there are lanes to get through.

If the Wolverines can't establish a productive ground game against the nation's No. 128 rushing defense, it's difficult to imagine when they will.

For Marshall, Hiter and Michigan's offensive line, Saturday represents a golden opportunity to finally deliver the type of rushing performance Whittingham has been demanding all season.