Michigan drops third in row, falls at Rutgers as Gary Nova throws for 404 yards and 3 TDs

Rutgers wide receiver Andrew Turzilli runs on the way to a touchdown reception against Michigan during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz) (The Associated Press)

Rutgers' Darius Hamilton tackles Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner (98) on the 4-yard line during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz) (The Associated Press)

Gary Nova threw for a career-best 404 yards and three touchdowns and Rutgers added to slumping Michigan's woes with a 26-24 victory on Saturday night.

Nova found Andrew Turzilli on scoring passes of 80 and 14 yards and hit John Tsimis with a 7-yarder as the Scarlet Knights (5-1, 1-1) won their first Big Ten Conference game and sent Michigan (2-4, 0-2) to its third straight loss.

The 2-4 start is the worst for Michigan since it opened 2-7 in 2008 under Rich Rodriguez. The setback also capped a troublesome week for coach Brady Hoke, who was under the microscope for failing to remove sophomore quarterback Shane Morris last weekend after a hit to the head.

Michigan had a chance to win but a wind-aided 56-yard field goal by Matt Wile was blocked by Kemoke Turay with 3:01 to go.