Live update: UM dominates in every way, beats BYU, 31-0
UM thumps BYU, 31-0
BYU's time in the AP rankings isn't going to last long.
Meanwhile, UM's time as an unranked shouldn't last long, either.
Expect the Wolverines to claw their way into the Top 25 when the rankings are released Sunday after thoroughly thumping BYU, 31-0, before a thrilled and sun-splashed crowd at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
Michigan (3-1) dominated in every way, with Jake Rudock really impressing at the quarterback spot. He looked poised and confident, and he made some terrific throws and had some good runs. He threw for a touchdown and ran for two more.
The Wolverines defense, meanwhile, didn't give the Cougars (2-2) an inch. BYU was limited to 90 total yards until the final minute of the game -- most on just two plays, one long run and another pass that UM should've probably intercepted. Quarterback Tanner Mangum, who orchestrated two late comeback wins earlier this season, had nothing to work with Saturday, and BYU punted on its first 10 possessions until running out of time on its last one.
BYU became Michigan's first shutout victim since Illinois in 2012.
More good news for UM: Running back De'Veon Smith's ankle doesn't appear serious. He was back on the sidelines in the fourth quarter, walking around, but he didn't play after coming out halfway through the third quarter.
Michigan returns to action next Saturday, opening Big Ten play at Maryland in a night game.
UM's Smith leaves with injury
It's been a great day for UM.
But the Wolverines might've been dealt a blow when running back De'Veon Smith left the game with what an ankle injury.
After a short run midway through the third quarter, BYU laid a hard hit on Smith, who was on the ground, bent over, for at least a minute.
He did walk off under his own power, though he was walking very gingerly.
Smith was on the sidelines now with his right shoe off, being looked at. He's headed to the locker room for exams.
Stay tuned for developments on the severity of the injury.
UM turns to run game in second half
Don't expect to see Jake Rudock airing it out much in the second half, like he did in the first.
Michigan has turned to its run game in the second half, with a huge, 31-0 lead over No. 22 BYU.
Rudock only dropped back to pass twice on Michigan's first possession of the second half, and was sacked one of the times. Rudock and coach Jim Harbaugh are much more interested in eating clock than padding stats.
BYU, meanwhile, has punted two more times in the second half, and has punted on all eight possessions this afternoon.
UM cruising right along
Michigan seems to be getting better and better each week.
Poor BYU, it's all come together this week.
Jake Rudock has led Michigan on scoring drives in each of its last five possessions, capped off by Kenny Allen's 40-yard field goal with under a minute to go in the first half.
Rudock and Amara Darboh hooked up again on the drive, with a nifty, 18-yard pass up the middle to get UM in scoring position.
Rudock looks like a different guy this week, showing poise and confidence to stay in the pocket, or rush if the defense allows it.
Impressive stuff.
Not so much for BYU, which has punted on all six of its positions, including one with 12 seconds to go in the half.
Rudock's run puts UM up, 28-0
Michigan quarterback Jake Rudock is having one hell of a day.
He just put the Wolverines up on BYU, 28-0, halfway through the second quarter with a 17-yard touchdown run.
That's the second rushing touchdown of the afternoon for Rudock, who also has thrown for a score. He guided Michigan on a six-play, 59-yard scoring drive that, again, was helped out by a dumb BYU penalty. This time, it was roughing hte passer.
De'Veon Smith had another good run on the drive, for 10 yards.
Rudock's 10-yard pass to Ian Bunting for a first down was another big play on the drive.
Michigan has scored touchdowns on four consecutive possessions.
BYU has punted on all four of its possessions.
Smith's long TD run puts UM up, 21-0
If De'Veon Smith is looking for fallback plans after college, might we suggest a headlining magic act in Vegas.
He just busted off a ridiculously dazzling run, taking the ball 60 yards for a touchdown to put Michigan up on BYU, 21-0.
Smith took the handoff and rushed up the middle, where it was crowded. Amazingly and to the delight of the 100,000-plus here at the Big House, Smith emerged out the other side.
He almost was brought down again around the 10, but spun twice to break the tackle and find the end zone.
It's looking like a long day for BYU, as quarterback Tanner Mangum is getting no time to throw the ball.
BYU has punted on all four drives.
UM takes 14-0 lead on BYU
Things are going pretty darn well for Michigan today against BYU.
The Wolverines have taken a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter, with quarterback Jake Rudock finding Amara Darboh wide open with a 4-yard touchdown pass.
Rudock guided Michigan on a 90-yard, 10-play drive that ate up 4:19 of clock time.
BYU helped Michigan along the way, with a late-hit penalty, and then on fourth-and-1 in BYU territory, Rudock drew BYU off-sides to earn a fresh set of downs and set up the touchdown.
The big play on the drive was a 41-yard pass from Rudock to Jake Butt.
Rudock has big drive; UM leads 7-0
Michigan has struck first here in Ann Arbor, taking an early 7-0 lead over BYU.
UM quarterback Jake Rudock had a great drive that began at his own 20 -- with two plays standing out most.
After De'Veon Smith found a hole along the left and busted a 32-yard run to get UM rolling, Rudock threw a nice, high pass that Amara Darboh caught, while falling back, for a 15-yard gain.
But the big throw was a 19-yarder to Khalid Hill that put Michigan on the door step of the end zone.
Rudock, widely criticized through three games, faked left, then faked right, then found Hill wide open up the middle. Hill was brought down at the 1, and Rudock, after a false-start penalty, then punched it in from the 3 for the early Wolverines lead.
The crowd here in Ann Arbor is loving it.
Ready to go at the Big House
We're about to get under way here in Ann Arbor. BYU has won the toss and has deferred till the second half.
This has the potential to be an early statement game in Jim Harbaugh's tenure, as BYU comes in ranked No. 22 in the nation after a couple miraculous, Hail Mary wins in its first three games.
Michigan also is 2-1.
It's a gorgeous late September day here in Ann Arbor. Stay tuned for updates throughout the game.