Michigan’s defense has stood tall since UNLV’s TD at ‘Big House’

Who knew when UNLV's Blake Decker completed that 6-yard touchdown pass to Devonte Boyd with 9:17 left in the Sept. 19 game at Michigan, those would be the last points against the Wolverines for about a month or so?

Michigan has pitched three consecutive shutouts since that game, blanking Brigham Young 31-0, Maryland 28-0 and Northwestern 38-0.

It's the first time the Wolverines shut out three opponents in a row since 1980.

Coach Jim Harbaugh was hired in Ann Arbor because of his offensive mind, but he knows how to push buttons on both sides of the football and how to hire a staff that will help get the job done.

But hardly anyone expected Harbaugh and his coaches to start getting the job done this soon. The Wolverines weren't even considered Big Ten Conference contenders when the season began unranked but now are rated 12th by the media and 14th by the coaches.

More will be known whether Michigan is indeed the real deal when Michigan State (No. 7 by the media and No. 4 by the coaches) visits "The Big House" on Saturday. The Wolverines' other major test also is at home, Nov. 28 against defending national champion Ohio State.

AROUND THE NATION — Florida's chances of a Southeastern Conference or even national title took a significant hit Monday when quarterback Will Grier was suspended for the season after testing positive for a drug on the NCAA's banned list. "I took an over-the-counter supplement that had something in it, and I did not check with the medical staff before taking it," he said. "I really hope that people can learn from this, learn from my mistake. I'm really, really sorry to everyone. Just really sorry." The timing couldn't be much worse for the Gators, who are ranked eighth by the media and 11th by the coaches. They play at Louisiana State, ranked sixth and fifth, on Saturday. … This past weekend was an example of what's right with college football. When the terrible flooding forced South Carolina to move its game against LSU to Baton Rouge, the Tigers couldn't have been more hospitable. LSU donated revenue from ticket sales to the Gamecocks, minus expenses for hosting the game. The school also raised money at the stadium for the American Red Cross, played the Gamecocks' hype video before the game and and showed South Carolina's state flag on the video board. … Georgia star running back Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury, but it wasn't to his anterior cruciate ligament. He is expected to undergo surgery in the next two weeks.

AROUND THE MOUNTAIN WEST — Decker practiced on Sunday night, but his status for UNLV's game at Fresno State on Friday is undetermined. He did not play in Saturday's 33-27 overtime loss to San Jose State because of a dislocated nonthrowing shoulder. … Fresno State will again start quarterback Kilton Anderson, a redshirt freshman who made his first career start in Saturday's 56-14 loss to Utah State. Coach Tim DeRuyter is taking the long-term approach of hoping Anderson grows into the job. … Boise State plays at Utah State on Friday in a game what will shape the Mountain Division race.

MY FINAL FOUR — I vote in the Sweet 16 Poll organized by the Football Writers Association of America and the National Football Foundation.

Here is my top four:

1. Baylor. The Bears' practices are more competitive than their 66-7 victory over Kansas.

2. Ohio State. A big finish over Maryland kept the Buckeyes in this spot.

3. Texas Christian. Let's not assume LSU's Leonard Fournette should be crowned the Heisman Trophy winner. TCU's Trevone Boykin is practically winning games by himself.

4. Utah. The Utes were fortunate to get past California, but their overall resume is as strong as any team in the country.

HEISMAN ODDS — Handicapper Bruce Marshall (goldsheet.com) provides Heisman Trophy odds each week:

Leonard Fournette, LSU 6-5

Trevone Boykin, TCU 5-2

Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State 6-1

Deshaun Watson, Clemson 10-1

Seth Russell, Baylor 12-1

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State 15-1

Connor Cook, Michigan State 18-1

Dalvin Cook, Florida State 20-1

Kevin Hogan, Stanford 22-1

Derrick Henry, Alabama 25-1

Cardale Jones, Ohio State 25-1

Jared Goff, California 30-1

Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma 30-1

Greg Ward Jr., Houston 30-1

Matt Johnson, Bowling Green 35-1

Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech 35-1

Everett Golson, Florida State 40-1

Keenan Reynolds, Navy 40-1

Devontae Booker, Utah 45-1

Brandon Doughty, Western Kentucky 50-1

Paxton Lynch, Memphis 50-1

Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi 50-1

Paul Perkins, UCLA 50-1

Josh Doctson, TCU 75-1

DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame 75-1

Jordan Canzeri, Iowa 100-1

Corey Coleman, Baylor 100-1

C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame 100-1

Mike Warren, Iowa State 100-1

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65. He is first vice president of the Football Writers Association of America.