Michigan football vs. UNLV: Top game day storylines to watch

Today, No. 2 Michigan football (1-0) hosts the UNLV Rebels (1-0) for a Week 2 matchup at the Big House in Ann Arbor. Last weekend, we got our first official look at the Wolverines, who downed ECU by 27 points in the season opener. That said, from Sherrone Moore returning to JJ McCarthy and the offense looking to thrive once more, there are a number of major storylines for the Maize and Blue this afternoon.

Top game day storylines to watch for: Michigan football vs. UNLV Rebels (Week 2)

1 — injuries

There are a number of injury concerns throughout the Michigan football roster right now, including a few star players who did not see game action last weekend. Perhaps the top two injured Wolverines right now are both defensive backs — Rod Moore and Will Johnson. Both of these incredible Michigan defenders are “getting close” to 100%, yet have remained sidelined to this point. Keep an eye on both Moore and Johnson against the UNLV Rebels, as either (or both) could be making a return debut.

*NOTE: We will have an official injury report later today.

2 — How does Sherrone Moore impact the Michigan offense?

Last weekend, quarterback JJ McCarthy set a program passing record during the Wolverines’ 30-3 Week 1 victory over East Carolina. That said, QB coach Kirk Campbell was calling the shots, not offensive line coach Sherrone Moore. Today, we will get to see how Sherrone Moore impacts the offense from a play-calling standpoint — throughout fall camp, “balance” was emphasized time and time again; it’s time to see if that was all smoke or if the Wolverines are looking to air it out more.

It’s worth noting that the Wolverines were exactly 50/50 between rushing and passing in Moore’s absence last weekend (31 each).

3 — Can the defensive line cause issues?

The Michigan football defensive line has been garnering all kinds of high praise, yet last weekend, it was pretty quiet. After not recording a sack in Week 1, let’s see if the Wolverines’ edge rushers can make some noise today against UNLV.

4 — Can the offensive line mesh and boost the rushing attack?

Uncharacteristically, the Wolverines’ ground game was pretty quiet last weekend; in fact, both Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards didn’t do much damage to the ECU defense. Part of the rushing game’s woes can be pinned on the offensive line, which was solid, yet many feel that it underperformed in Week 1 — this is somewhat understandable with so many new faces on the line.

That said, the rushing attack needs to do more today, as does Michigan’s usually-elite offensive line.

5 — Michigan football vs. UNLV spread covered?

If you’re a college sports junkie, you probably know that Michigan football did not cover its spread against ECU last weekend. Today, the Wolverines are favored by 37.5 points — a solid betting line for the Maize and Blue — and should be able to cover. After all, it’s Week 2, and Michigan has had time to work out the flaws seen in Week 1.

6 — Who comes in as QB2 in place of quarterback JJ McCarthy?

There are currently four players gunning for the full-time backup quarterback role in Ann Arbor right now: Jayden Denegal, Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle, and Alex Orji. All four are quite capable, though there is no decision made for the time being. Seeing as Davis Warren got all of the QB2 reps in Week 1, we expect to see the other three get as much time as possible this weekend and next weekend before Big Ten play starts at the end of the month.

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