Patterson throws 3 TDs, No. 4 Michigan beats Rutgers 42-7

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Shea Patterson has stamped Michigan a national title contender. Patterson threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns, Karan Higdon ran for a pair of 1-yard scores and the fourth-ranked Wolverines routed Rutgers 42-7 on Saturday for their ninth straight win. Patterson threw darts in swirling winds in front of thousands of fans bundled in Michigan colors. Up ahead, another week with national title hopes in the Big House. "The one thing I think we do a really good job of is not getting distracted by where we are now," Patterson said, "and don't let that distract us from where we want to be." The Wolverines (9-1, 7-0, No. 4 CFP) remain in first place in the Big Ten's East Division. They have a final tuneup against Indiana next weekend before closing the regular season at No. 8 Ohio State. Michigan hasn't lost since the season opener against No.