UNLV Preview

Hey Reb

Time: 3:30 

Location: Big House 

Weather: 75 sunny

TV: CBS (Nessler - Danielson)

Line: Michigan (-37.5)

Is there really much to say in a game where Michigan is the 37.5 favorite?  No, there really isn't.  But today I have to write 3 letters instead of 1.  

UNLV beat Bryant easily in Week 1 but gave up 409 yards of offense.   That is not a good sign for the Running Rebels in the Big House.   On offense they want to run the ball and being 1 dimensional against the Michigan Defense is also not a great strategy for success.   

Dear Jimmy, 

It sounds like it was a bit stressful but the sandwiches were good last weekend.   What ever happened to your plans to go to Cedar Pointe with Sherrone?  Watching the game on TV was probably the best move.  

I assume with all the good things you saw last weekend a few issues were worked on this week during practice.  We can't have a kicker missing extra points, I can understand shanking a field goal every once in a while, but that part of the special teams has to be better.  

Secondarily, TCU put something on tape and it was filling the box to stop the run.   I loved how Michigan passed the ball and will need to continue to do that.   Hit the TE's more and try to get the ball to some freshman WR's which will really help recruiting.  That will open the running lanes for the Dynamic Duo. 

That is enough for now and enjoy your round of golf at Arcadia Bluffs and we will talk next week. 

Dear Jay, 

Congratulations on being the head coach for a half.  Your last name is Harbaugh so I assume you know what to do.  If you have any questions, just ask Grandpa who I'm not sure I saw on the sideline last week.  Maybe he is in the press box?

The little criticism from last week was targeted at your Special Teams unit, which I expect to be better this week.   You will have both Coordinators back and all you will need to do is be the Guardian of Victory for 30 minutes.  

Mike, 

Congratulations on being Michigan's top rusher and now Michigan's head coach for 30 minutes as well.  I'm really happy you are on staff and one of my favorite players of all time.  What an honor it must be to coach maybe the best Michigan combined backfield ever.   Enjoy this day and follow the advice I gave Jay above about being the Guardian of Victory.   

If Michigan can stop UNLV's run game, it is going to be a long day for former Missouri head coach Dave Odom.  Remember when UNLV hired Bishop Gorman's head coach?  Because he had one of the best HS teams in the nation.  Crazy Times.   CBS must love that Texas is playing at Alabama and their top announcing team is at UNLV @ Michigan.  I've feared the day Gary Danielson and his outdated takes would be calling a game in the Big House.  It is now here.  Which is a bit ironic coming off one of the Detroit Lions biggest regular season victories in recent memory. 

Michigan 48 UNLV 6