Michigan survived.

The game didn’t start out on a good note, with Rutgers taking a 17-0 advantage, but the Wolverines scratched and clawed their way back into the contest and were able to leave Piscataway with a much-needed victory. It snapped a three-game losing streak for U-M, which is now 2-3 on the year.

While the defense struggled throughout the game, things really changed offensively when Jim Harbaugh made the call to pull starter Joe Milton and insert backup Cade McNamara. Then, things were clicking for the Wolverines.

McNamara finished the game completing 27-of-36 passes for 260 yards and 4 touchdowns and accounting for another rushing score. Cornelius Johnson had 87 yards and 2 touchdowns on 4 catches and Hassan Haskins rushed for 109 yards on 25 carries and scored the game-winning touchdown in triple overtime.

It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. That’s what Michigan needed. Here’s what Harbaugh had to say following his team’s 48-42 victory over the Scarlet Knights:

On whether a win over Rutgers sparks a run: It’s our goal to be 1-0. Reminds me of some of the great comeback wins that I’ve been a part of. The guys play with a lot of heart. Really competed. Left it all out there, guys like Carlo Kemp who just had nothing left. Spent himself and was a victorious effort. So many guys. Adam Shibley came in and played really well. Guy after guy. There’s a lot to build on when you’ve got that character-type of win. I love coaching this team. It’s great to see them having fun and it’s great to see them having success. Really finding themselves out there tonight.

On Giles Jackson punt return: Yeah, I thought that was big. Cade coming into the game, his first drive of the game was a touchdown and came back into the game and got us into field goal range. To start the second half, it was a huge start to the second half. Got the momentum back and they scored on their next possession. The momentum was changing pretty fast and furious the whole night.

On bouncing back after 3 losses: I love it. I love coaching the team. Just how they play. It was good to see them letting it rip and letting it come out. Letting the talent come out, letting them play and having fun while doing it. It’s all great. Keep building. Now they know (what they’re capable of). Maybe they know now what they didn’t know. They’re good at football, they’ve been good at football for a long time and it’s OK to go out there to play like you’re capable. Give it your all and have fun doing it.