This should not be a 50/50 game if you look at all the facts based on the first 9 games. First, at the most important position QB, Max is considerably better than AK. Just watch Max work and you can actually see him get through 4-5 reads in the course of a play. I don't think AK has gotten to a 5th read in his career. He panics way too quickly by the third read and off he goes trying to run. Not to mention, Harbaugh has watched a ton of tape on AK and understands all his flaws, which he can then lay out to Hetherman.
In terms of the RUT Def, other than the first 3 games (barely decent FCS level opponents), they have looked terrible in B1G play. They currently sit 94th in Total DEF and 94th Rush Def. If we struggle against RUT in this game then we will have played down to their level. If we play like the last 3-4 weeks this game shouldn't be close at the end of the 3rd Qtr.