Michigan Football: Stribling, Isaac Break Out in Win Over UNLV
The Michigan Wolverines had been strangely unfamiliar with fast starts by the opposition through the first two weeks.
Junior Channing Stribling would change that on UNLV’s opening possession as the junior picked off quarterback Blake Decker for his first career interception, in what would be another long day for Michigan’s opposition on offense. Stribling and his counterparts suppressed the Rebels offense to just 235 total yards , culminating the afternoon with a 28-7 win.
On the opposite end of the ball, the patient wait for running back Ty Isaac to make an impression on the maize and blue faithful finally punched the clock midway through the second frame. Isaac took a hand off, stiff armed a would-be defender, and scurried down the sideline for a 76-yard score to put the Wolverines up 21-0 heading into the second half.
It would be Isaac’s first time surpassing the century mark in his collegiate tenure, as he led all backs with 114 yards on just eight carries. De’Veon Smith opened the contest as the regular, contributing to Michigan’s first score: a five-yard swing pass from quarterback Jake Rudock. Jehu Chesson and Sione Houma would also notch rushing touchdowns.
Sep 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Ty Isaac (32) receives congratulations from teammate after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rudock finished Saturday afternoon by completing 14 of his 23 passes for 123, throwing a touchdown and an interception. The breakthrough has yet to breeze in, but when you can establish the ground game early and often, it merely matters. It’s a flawless blend of tenacious defense and punch-you-in-the-mouth physicality on offense. The offensive line has made substantial progress in the trenches, while the defense has surrendered just 14 points the previous two games.
When you have guys on defense like Chris Wormley and Jabrill Peppers, the job becomes increasingly easy for anyone cloaked in maize and blue.
The Wolverines will hope that framework aids in next Saturday’s contest versus Brigham Young.
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