UNLV vs. Michigan: Game Grades, Analysis for the Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines started strong before finishing off an unimpressive 28-7 victory over the UNLV Rebels on Saturday at the Big House.

Ty Isaac recorded a career-high 114 rushing yards and scored a touchdown, but the Wolverines defense once again stole the show while quarterback Jake Rudock struggled.

Positional Unit	1st-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	D+	D+
Run Offense	A-	B+
Pass Defense	A	A-
Run Defense	A-	A
Special Teams	B-	B+
Coaching	D+	B-

Pass Offense: Jake Rudock had a rough day. He missed an unguarded Jake Butt for a touchdown, tossed an ill-fated pass into double coverage and threw well behind Drake Johnson on a potential game-breaking play. Rudock's decision-making is a major concern, especially as conference play approaches.

Run Offense: During the first half, the offensive line consistently won the battle in the trenches. Isaac's 76-yard touchdown put Michigan up 21 points. The second-half performance wasn't spectacular, but the Wolverines still managed more than 4.0 yards per carry after halftime and 6.5 overall.

Pass Defense: The Michigan secondary was relentless. Its lone blemish came when Devonte Boyd pulled away from Delano Hill for a 53-yard catch and then beat Jarrod Wilson for a touchdown. Channing Stribling picked off a Blake Decker pass and swatted another, Jourdan Lewis broke up three attempts, and Jeremy Clark added an interception.

Run Defense: UNLV had no room to run throughout the game. Michigan limited Keith Whitely to 29 yards on 13 carries, and the remainder of the Rebels managed a meager 2.7 yards per attempt. Ryan Glasgow registered a pair of tackles for loss, and Chris Wormley continued his stellar play.

Special Teams: Though Kenny Allen didn't attempt a field goal, he connected on all four extra points. Blake O'Neill shanked a 17-yard punt but pinned UNLV inside the 20-yard line four times, including a 59-yard blast into the wind. Jabrill Peppers added a 24-yard punt return in which he broke six tackles.

Coaching: Jim Harbaugh isn't going to take many risks, but it's still a questionable decision to punt from the UNLV 35-yard line and later on a 4th-and-1 near midfield. There's no better opportunity to challenge his players than in a nonconference bout against an inferior opponent. Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin has the defense playing at an elite level.

Follow Bleacher Report college football writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.