Angelique S. Chengelis

The Detroit News

Last year, Hurricane Joaquin disrupted college football scheduling, including Michigan’s game at Maryland, and now Hurricane Matthew, which already has wreaked havoc in Haiti, could be an issue when the Wolverines play at Rutgers in New Jersey on Saturday night.

An extended forecast from Weather.gov (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) indicates a chance of showers Saturday during the day in the area where Rutgers is located, in Piscataway Township, N.J. But that evening, it reads: “Tropical storm conditions possible.”

New Jersey is in what has been termed the “cone of uncertainty” in terms of the weather map and what direction Matthew may go. The storm potentially could turn east and not be an issue. However, the current weather model suggests Matthew could follow a path that would include New Jersey.

The Big Ten is keeping tabs on the Hurricane.

"The safety of game participants and fans is paramount, a Big Ten spokesperson said in an email Tuesday night. "The conference will continue to monitor the weather forecast for this weekend and will provide any updates when appropriate."

Trieu: Michigan enjoys big recruiting weekend, led by Ekiyor

Harbaugh: Ash stood out

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh remembers the time he interviewed Rutgers coach Chris Ash for a position at Stanford.

Harbaugh was impressed about how Ash was uber-prepared for the interview.

“He really stood out,” said Harbaugh, who did not hire Ash but said he was in the running. “He was very, very well prepared. Had his entire coaching philosophy laid out. He had video clips, drill clips. He was very impressive. I remember being very impressed.

“He has proven to be a phenomenal coach. It’s no surprise. I remember that interview being one of the finer interviews I’ve ever been involved in or even seen. He’s doing a tremendous job.”

Kudos to Durkin

Harbaugh was asked about how well D.J. Durkin has done in his first season with Maryland, which is unbeaten.

“It’s been fantastic,” Harbaugh said of the coach, who has worked on Harbaugh’s staffs and most recently was Michigan defensive coordinator last season. “No surprise. Doing a heck of a job.

“We talked a couple times. Coaching things. ... We’re watching with a lot of pride what he’s doing and very proud of the job he’s doing.”