Make Your Pick: Michigan vs. UNLV

Once again, Michigan is expected to roll over an inferior opponent...this times, it's the Rebels from UNLV.

Michigan is a whopping 37.5-point favorite over UNLV this week, which is even more lopsided than last week's matchup against ECU. Obviously the Pirates played tough and sold out to take away the run game, which resulted in a slightly closer 30-3 contest. UNLV doesn't look to have the bulk or the scheme to do so, which should allow Michigan to succeed at what it likes to do — run the ball. Here's how we see it playing out.

Chris Breiler

The Michigan Wolverines dominated their week one contest against ECU, but there's still plenty of room for improvement - most notably with the rushing attack.

UNLV gave up nearly 200 yards on the ground in their week one matchup against Bryant, and I have a hunch that number will he significantly higher against a Wolverine offense looking to prove a point.

Corum and Edwards combine for 170+ yards, and JJ McCarthy looks laser sharp once again.

Michigan 42, UNLV 10

Brandon Brown

I came away from week one's game against ECU pretty impressed with the Pirates. They made a concerted effort to stifle Michigan's rushing attack and they actually sort of did. That obviously allowed JJ McCarthy to slice them up through the air, which resulted in one of the best performances every by a Michigan quarterback. This week, I do not see that happening.

UNLV isn't built like ECU in terms of beef or scheme and I think Michigan will capitalize on that. I expect Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards to both have much more productive days, which will allow McCarthy to lean into the play action game and hit some bigger shots downfield. I think we're going to see Michigan's offense operate on all cylinders, which should allow for a pretty big day on the scoreboard. 

As for the defense, I think we'll see more of what we saw against ECU — plenty of pressure, sure tackling, no big plays given up, a turnover or two and maybe another feaux shutout. Michigan should roll the Rebs in The Big House.

Michigan 48, UNLV 0

Trent Knoop

UNLV won big a week ago against Bryant, but the Rebels gave up over 400 yards of offense to the Bulldogs — not good. Michigan should have its way against UNLV on Saturday. I’m guessing the Wolverines will want to establish the run this week after neither Blake Corum nor Donovan Edwards rushed for over 100 yards. But if the Rebels gameplan is to stop the Michigan run, then JJ McCarthy should be able to pick apart the Rebels’ secondary as he did against East Carolina a week ago. UNLV can be a dynamic running team with a savvy lefty at quarterback, Doug Brumfield, who can use his legs. I look for the Rebels to score twice on Saturday against Michigan, but the Rebels have no chance of stopping the Wolverines’ offense. I have the maize and blue big here.

Michigan 45, UNLV 10