UNLV vs. Michigan: Complete Game Preview
The Michigan Wolverines and UNLV Rebels will square off in a nonconference bout on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Big House in Ann Arbor.
After dropping the season opener, the Wolverines (1-1) rebounded to dominate Oregon State last weekend. Behind De'Veon Smith's career-high 126 rushing yards and three touchdowns, Michigan earned a 35-7 victory.
UNLV (0-2) stumbled through a Week 2 matchup with UCLA, which gained 526 yards to the Rebels' 237. More importantly, though, starting quarterback Blake Decker left the game, did not return and his status is questionable for Saturday.
As of this writing, Odds Shark has no spread listed—likely due to the uncertainty surrounding Decker. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET.
UNLV Keys to Victory
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With or Without Decker, Survive on Offense
Thanks to a dominant opening drive, Oregon State ultimately raced to 136 yards of total offense in the first quarter. The underdogs even held a 7-3 advantage after 15 minutes.
But then, the Wolverines defense shut every window, closed every door and locked the Beavers in a cage, allowing two—yes, two—yards of offense throughout the final three quarters.
UNLV, which finished 2-of-15 on third down, only managed 237 yards against UCLA, and 181 were the result of the running game. Long story short, Michigan won't surrender 181 rushing yards on Saturday—especially if Decker is unavailable.
The Rebels might not be able to spring an upset with a healthy Decker, and the team's already-slim chances basically disappear without him.
Create Turnovers
Turnovers are the great equalizer.
However, UNLV hasn't exactly racked up gaudy numbers in that category. Through two games, the Rebels have three takeaways, but two interceptions came against UCLA's backup quarterback.
Michigan won't be perfect on offense. Quarterback Jake Rudock tossed a couple of ill-advised throws that Utah's defense snagged. Against Oregon State, Rudock forced a ball, badly overshot a target and lost a fumble.
The key for UNLV, though, is taking advantage of those opportunities because the Wolverines are simply the better team. Tony Sanchez's team needs a spark, and turnovers provide the ignition.
Michigan Keys to Victory
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Don't Get Cute
Saturday is not the time for a change in style.
Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Tim Drevno have shown no signs of straying from their run-first mentality, but Michigan can dominate this contest the same way it did last week. Smith tallied his 126 yards, while Ty Isaac, Derrick Green and Sione Houma combined to record 90 yards on 16 carries.
As for UNLV, UCLA's Paul Perkins shredded the Rebels for 151 yards and two scores. Overall, the Bruins racked up an average of 5.8 yards per carry.
UNLV knows the ground-focused offense is coming, but the defense likely can't stop it.
Lock Up Devonte Boyd
Michigan fans should be confident that the front seven will contain the Rebels' running game, but the Wolverines still have a couple of questions surrounding a secondary that needs to lock up Devonte Boyd.
The 6'1" wideout amassed 65 receptions for 980 yards in 2014 and opened UNLV's year with a 107-yard, one-touchdown performance before a 55-yard day opposite UCLA.
But the Rebels have few pass-catching weapons other than the talented sophomore. Their next best targets—Aaron Criswell, Kendal Keys and Anthony Williams—managed a total of two catches for three yards last weekend.
Michigan may or may not have starting cornerback Jourdan Lewis available, since he left the Oregon State matchup with a concussion, so Channing Stribling, Jabrill Peppers and Jeremy Clark must be prepared to shut down Boyd.
UNLV Players to Watch
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Keith Whitely, Running Back
Running lanes will be hard to find, but Keith Whitely needs to attack them both as the tailback and punt returner.
Whitely ripped off a 41-yard run against UCLA, ending his day with 73 yards on 12 carries. That respectable outing followed a 68-yard performance for the starter.
He's only been able to return one punt—fair catches galore—but the junior will receive multiple opportunities to steal momentum from Michigan.
Peni Vea, Safety
If the game goes as expected, Peni Vea will be a busy man at the second level.
The senior must provide a constant impact from his strong safety position, which he's done well enough through two games. Vea has already recorded 12 solo tackles (17 total), one sack, one pass breakup and a forced fumble.
UNLV doesn't have a collection of experienced defenders, so the unit will rely on the 2014 honorable mention All-Mountain West talent to make a couple of plays.
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Michigan Players to Watch
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Amara Darboh, Wide Receiver
Michigan needs a second wideout to step up before conference action begins, but Amara Darboh is doing a solid job shouldering the load so far.
Darboh has amassed 12 receptions, 151 yards and two touchdowns, and he's undoubtedly the best quick-hitting option. Rudock seems most comfortable with the senior—as well as tight end Jake Butt.
Although the Wolverines aren't looking for game-breaking plays from Darboh, if he can snag a couple of passes on third downs, move the sticks and keep drives alive, that'd be another decent showing from the No. 1 receiver.
The Cornerbacks
Yes, they need to match up with Boyd. But that's not why the cornerbacks are the players to watch.
In 2014, Michigan committed a handful of pass interference penalties simply because a defender didn't turn his head, locate the football and finish the play. That trend hasn't changed yet in 2015, either. Stribling, Peppers and Clark have been OK in coverage, but certainly not great.
Theoretically, UNLV will be throwing for most—if not all—of the second half. The corners improving their technique now will only help when Big Ten action arrives.
What They're Saying
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UNLV
According to Ray Brewer of the Las Vegas Sun, the outcome of Saturday's contest is less important than the exposure it will bring to Sanchez, the first-year head coach, and money it brings to the program.
"Regardless of the outcome, it should be a good day for UNLV," he wrote. "In addition to national exposure, during which—if the Rebels hold their own—they'll continue to impress in coach Tony Sanchez's debut season, the team is getting a $1 million payday for taking the game."
Michigan
Senior linebacker Joe Bolden said he appreciated Jim Harbaugh's intensity when the coach was livid over what he believed was a questionable call.
"The guy fights for his players, and you always want a coach like that, he said, per Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. I did see a little bit of it, and I also heard the whole student section erupt. He probably did something else. It's a great feeling having someone so passionate about his players."
Prediction
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Michigan immediately takes control of this nonconference meeting and doesn't look back.
The offensive line once again provides ample running room for Smith, who tops the 100-yard barrier for the fourth time in his career. Additionally, Rudock finally connects on a downfield pass, and the Wolverines eventually take a commanding three-score lead into the locker room.
Led by defensive lineman Chris Wormley and linebacker Desmond Morgan, Michigan stands tall against a mediocre UNLV offense that—with or without Decker—struggles for 60 minutes.
The Rebels fall to 0-3, but the Wolverines take a 2-1 record into BYU week.
Prediction: Michigan 34, UNLV 6
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