Greg Schiano Talks Jim Harbaugh, JJ McCarthy, And Much More

For the third year in a row, Rutgers has started the season off 3-0. In the past, the Scarlet Knights have fallen off once Big Ten play hits, but it's starting to look like a new Rutgers team. The Scarlet Knights are outscoring their opponents (Northwestern, Temple, and Virginia Tech) by a score of 95-30 through the first three weeks.

Rutgers has gotten the job done, but Greg Schiano realizes the level of competition has taken a major step up heading into Saturday's tilt against Michigan.

Michigan is on an eight-game winning streak against Rutgers and Schiano thinks this team may be even better than any of those. He doesn't see any weakness in Michigan, and the Wolverines could be the No. 1 team in the country.

"A great challenge: No. 2 team in the country. Probably could be easily ranked number one," insisted Schiano. "They're that good, and there's absolutely no weaknesses in this team when you look at what they have."

Rutgers has had a good defense through the first three weeks. It's ranked No. 7 in scoring defense and No. 20 in total defense allowing 272.7 yards per game. But Michigan will be the toughes test the Scarlet Knights' defense has faced this year. Schiano credits the entire Michigan offense.

"Their offensive line: Two-time reigning Joe Moore offensive line of the year," Schiano said. "They have 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."

Rutgers doesn't have a stellar passing attack with Gavin Wimsatt, but he's done enough to protect the football and has let the running attack get the job done. The Scarlet Knights average over 210 yards on the ground which is good enough to be the 20th-ranked rushing offense in the country. But Rutgers will be going up against No. 18 run defense in Michigan.

There's a chance Schiano and Rutgers may have to open up the playbook a little this weekend. Schiano says Michigan may have the best D-line in the country. However, the Rutgers' head coach says they just need to take care of themselves and protect the ball.

"Flip it over to defense: Their defensive line is maybe the best in the country — big, physical, deep," said Sciano. "Linebackers run and hit. Secondary covers well. Kicking game: They have specialists that are arguably the best in the nation."

"Definitely a tall order but we need to make sure we take care of us — 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."

As most people know by now, Jim Harbaugh is back this weekend against Rutgers after being sidelined the first three weeks of the year. Schiano says he has the most "ultimate respect" for the Michigan head coach.

"I have a lot of respect for Jim," said Schiano. "He’s an excellent football coach. Knows how to get the most out of his organization. I don’t have a close relationship, it’s more professional, but ultimate respect."

Michigan and Rutgers will air at Noon on Big Ten Network this Saturday.