Michigan RB Smith leaves game with apparent ankle injury

Senior Jake Rudock, who played miserably three weeks ago in Michigan’s 24-17 loss to Utah, magnificently led the Wolverines to 31 first-half points while his defense refused to give an inch. BYU has never played in such a large venue. Morris played in 10 games and started in two, including a 2013 bowl game, over the previous two years under former coach Brady Hoke. Sure, the Cougars hold a nice “22” next to their name (which should ultimately be erased by Monday) and have racked up a pair of wins against respectable competition, but BYU was clearly mismatched by the physicality in the trenches-and it was thoroughly depicted-in Ann Arbor.

BYU’s freshman sensation Tanner Mangum struggled in the face of consistent pressure. Because, as was kind of expected, he finally had a bad game.

The second half was scoreless for both sides as Michigan used its ground game to run the clock, pacing the game for the eventual final tally. Yet, Michigan destroyed the Cougars by a 31-0 count, outgaining BYU 448-to-105 in the process.

If their offensive performance wasn’t enough, the Michigan defense showed why they are one of the best in the nation. “We have respect at this point nationally, ” Cougars coach Bronco Mendenhall said. He was on last week against UCLA and he will need to repeat his efforts at the Big House.

The BYU offense only had 105 total yards of offense. Defensively, the Michigan Wolverines yield 144.0 yards in passing and 92.7 yards in rushing. “That makes it a lot easier for the offense”. Wonder all you want, but wishing it so won’t bring Hill back.

“To be honest, I thought I was down for a second, but I put my hand down”, Smith said.

The Michigan defense was outstanding. They were tough and physical.

“It wasn’t anything different than what we’ve seen before”, BYU receiver Mitch Mathews said. “We have to keep the momentum going and keep making statements”.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Jones completed 19 of 33 passes and had a third-quarter interception. And Michigan’s first shutout since 2012.

Not on Saturday, though. “As the quarterback, I take that on me”.

Michigan running back De’Veon Smith (4) breaks away from BYU…

Were the Wolverines done?

“There must’ve been four or five throwaways”, Harbaugh said.

Penn State 37, San Diego State 21: Christian Hackenberg threw three touchdown passes for the host Nittany Lions (3-1) in a victory over the Aztecs (1-3).

By this point BYU fans in attendance among the waves and maize and blue had to wonder to themselves what in the world was going on-because Mangum usually throws for at least 200 yards by now. It is obvious that he has coached his team to play the game the right way, which will result in the Michigan football program coming back. In any case, the bloodletting ended after the half and BYU escaped with a 31-point loss.