Sep 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Drake Johnson (20) rushes in the fourth quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Michigan Stadium. The play was called back for a penalty on Michigan. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Drake Johnson (20) rushes in the fourth quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Michigan Stadium. The play was called back for a penalty on Michigan. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines players celebrate in the student section after the game against the UNLV Rebels at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines safety Jeremy Clark (34) breaks up a pass to UNLV Rebels wide receiver Kendal Keys (84) in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) runs the bases at UNLV Rebels defensive back Tim Hough (13) in the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; UNLV Rebels quarterback Blake Decker (5) passes the ball in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
In a game like Saturday’s, no single play was going to decide the outcome. Michigan was a better team than UNLV and showed it from the opening kick.
There was a brief moment of excitement for the Rebels early on, however.
Blake Decker appeared to be thrown for a sack on UNLV’s third play from scrimmage only to avoid going all the way to the ground.
As the Michigan defenders celebrated the apparent sack, Decker alertly raced downfield for a 16-yard gain and a first down.
The UNLV sideline was as excited as the home fans were confused.
Decker and the offense couldn’t take advantage, though. He was intercepted on the next play by Channing Stribling. Michigan converted the turnover into seven points and the game was never in doubt.
The interception was far from a deciding factor. But had UNLV been able to build off Decker’s crazy scramble, the Rebels at least could have put a bit of scare into more than 100,000 Wolverine fans.
Instead, the only question was whether they could cover the spread.
