Michigan vs. UNLV score: No. 2 Wolverines cruise for second straight week without coach Jim Harbaugh

No Harbaugh, no problem for Michigan as it handled its business against an overmatched UNLV

For the second straight week, No. 2 Michigan cruised past an overmatched opponent by using relentless defense. The Wolverines had no problems against UNLV in a 35-7 victory, the second straight without coach Jim Harbaugh as he serves a three-game, self-imposed suspension to start the year. The Runnin' Rebels managed just 229 yards on the afternoon, averaging a paltry 4.0 yards per play and converting just three of 12 third-down opportunities against the stifling Michigan defense.  

Michigan's offense was just as effective. Running back Blake Corum continues to make great strides in a return from a season-ending knee injury a year ago. Corum rushed for 80 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries as the Michigan offense pounded the Runnin' Rebels into submission. Corum's first score of the day was a 3-yard plunge from just outside pay dirt, and his second was a 2-yard score on the team's second drive of the game. 

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy got into the scoring mix later in the second quarter when he found Roman Wilson for a 13-yard score with under one minute to play in the half. The two connected again on a 47-yarder with 10:31 to play in the third frame to make it a four-score game. McCarthy finished the afternoon 22 of 25 passing for 278 yards and a pair of scores.

Harbaugh was absent for the second straight week due to a school-imposed three-game suspension stemming from an NCAA investigation into improper activity during the COVID-19 dead period. Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh served as Michigan's coach during the first half of Saturday's game; running backs coach Mike Hart was at the helm for the final 30 minutes.

Michigan (2-0) will host Bowling Green next weekend. UNLV (1-1) will host Vanderbilt at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.

[Sep 9, 2023 at 5:55 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Corum in for his third

3:13 Q3: No. 2 Michigan 35, UNLV 0

The hits just keep on coming for Blake Corum. The veteran superstar plunged in from five yards out to push Michigan's lead to 35-0. It is Corum's third touchdown of the game -- all from within five yards. Corum has 15 carries for 80 yards on the afternoon. The Wolverines have racked up a whopping 431 yards through two-plus quarters in the blowout in Ann Arbor.

[Sep 9, 2023 at 5:32 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

McCarthy with another touchdown pass

10:31 Q3: No. 2 Michigan 28, UNLV 0

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy stayed hot when the Wolverines came out of the locker room in the third quarter. He hit Roman Wilson for a 47-yard catch and run for the score. It was the second time that the two have hooked up on the afternoon. McCarthy has completed 20 of 22 yards for 249 yards on the afternoon. Jay Harbaugh served as high brother, Jim's, interim coach during the first half. Running back coach Mike Hart is serving as the head coach in the second half, and things to be working out just fine.

[Sep 9, 2023 at 4:59 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Three-score game at the break

HALF: No. 2 Michigan 21, UNLV 0

Wolverines QB J.J. McCarthy is absolutely lights out in this one. He connected with Roman Wilson for a 13-yard touchdown with under a minute to go in the half to push the lead to 21-0. McCarthy has tossed just one incomplete pass on 18 attempts, has thrown for 188 yards and has a first half passer rating of 200.5

[Sep 9, 2023 at 4:48 pm ET · Barrett Sallee]

Elite defense from the Wolverines

UNLV's stats vs. Michigan are sickening -- if you're a Running Rebels' fan. They have negative-19 rushing yards, 1.9 yards per play, have been tackled for loss seven times and are 2 of 6 on third down. Michigan's defense -- suffocating