Observations on the win over UNLV, 28-7

Michigan converted two red zones, one from a Rebel turnover, for 14 points; UNLV could only convert one of two red zones for 7 points. We have good red zone efficiency, but struggle in between the 20s failing to convert enough first downs to get to the red zone on our drives.

Offense gained 377 net yards, 17 first downs, and converted 6 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions in 64 offensive plays. Jake Rudock did not have an impressive day; he was 14 of 22 for 123 yards, and a TD plus an interception. Rudock missed open receivers all day. Ty Isaac came off the bench to score a 76 yard TD; it was the longest play from scrimmage since 2012, and he had 8 carries for 114 yards on the day. Jehu Chesson took a 36 yard handoff into the end zone with great blocks from Henry Poggi and Amara Darboh. DeVeon Smith logged 33 yards in 13 carries, and caught a 5 yard TD pass. Drake Johnson gained 28 yards in 5 carries. Captain Joe Kerridge came back from injury this week, but got a new injury and left the game; he had three receptions for 28 yards, and 2 carries for 8 yards. Sione Houma also scored a TD. Our running game netted 254 yards in 39 rushes. Darboh had 4 grabs for 34 yards. Mo Ways got his first reception as a Wolverine! In all, one could assess the passing offense as poor, and the running game as mediocre against an 0-3 team we were favored by 34 points at home.

Defense held UNLV to 15 first downs, 235 net yards while limiting the Rebels to 6 of 16 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. We forced UNLV into 8 punts, and 4 "3 and outs." Black Decker was 8 of 16 for 96 yards for a TD, and had 6 carries for 21 yards. Kurt Palendech came in to hit 6 of 10 for 47 yards, and ran for 8 yards on 5 carries. Keith Whitely had 13 carries for 29 yards, but UNLV could only manage 93 net yards on the ground. Devonte Boyd had 3 receptions for 65 yards including the TD. Our safeties, Jarrod Wilson and Delano Hill continue to struggle on cover, and our linebackers have difficulty in space particularly on the edge. The Wolverines had 6 tackles from Captain Joe Bolden, and 5 each by James Ross, Desmond Morgan, Ben Gedeon, Mario Ojemudia, and Delano Hill. Channing Stribling got a 30 yard interception return and a pass break up. Jourdan Lewis had 4 pass break ups. Taco Charlton and Maurice Hurst got sacks. Matt Godin had an early sack, but Decker's knee didn't hit the ground so he took a negative play into a 16 yard gain for a first down. Time of possession was even, and not a factor in this one.

Kenny Allen continues to pound long kickoffs, and the kickoff coverage remains solid. Jabrill Peppers had a nice 24 yard punt return, and a 31 yard kickoff return. Blake O'Neill did a super job punting with four of five punts pinning UNLV inside the 20 twice.

We have a long way to go if we are to become a "good" football team. BYU will run us all over the field next week with their offense, and I'm not sure if our offense can outscore them. Go Blue!

Observations on the first half with UNLV Highlights Box Score Post Game Press Conference

Press Conference for UNLV on September 14 Players (Depth Chart and Game Notes)