UNLV two deep - Team Preview and thoughts...

[Harry]

Enough about attendance already let's game talk! It is time!

Anybody watch a UNLV game this season? Any thoughts on how we match up?

We are showing as 6.5 favs with an under over at 56 -- tells me the oddsmakers like our defense.

But again who is UNLV? What are their strengths?

Link to final regular season stats in their win over San Diego State (who dominated their bowl game against Buffalo): http://www.unlvrebels.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2013-2014/sd-lv.html

Initial impressions: Team has good size across both lines. At least on paper they look like a big, athletic team across all positions. A 6-3, QB who can run. An all star RB and WR. Two 6-7 Olinemen, a 6-6 255 Tight End, A 6-1, 250 linebacker that looks mean and an athletic secondary. I've said it before and will say it again, for those wanting revenge against UTSA this is your chance. This team looks and plays a LOT like UTSA to me witha QB that can hurt you with the run and pass. They will load up against the run and force DT to beat them in the passing game. This game could present a big challenge to us both offensively and defensively as UNLV started clicking late in the season and their overall 7-4 record could be deceiving.

UNLV Two Deep

Offense

C 79 WATERMAN, R. (6-2, 290)
LG 78 JEFFERSON, C. (6-6, 300)
LT 69 Boyko, Brett (6-7, 310)
RG 72 Scoggins, Ron (6-3, 335)
RT 73 Oberg, Andrew (6-7, 280)
QB 8 Herring, Caleb (6-3, 200)
RB 35 Cornett, Tim (6-0, 210)
WR 81 Davis, Devante (6-3, 210)
WR 18 SULLIVAN, M. (5-9, 195)
TE 46 Phillips, Jake (6-6, 255)
H 16 BARNHILL, T. (6-4, 240)

Defense

DE 93 Sanitoa, Sonny (6-3, 260)
DT 97 Garrick, Mark (6-4, 280)
DT 99 Gaston, Tyler (6-3, 295)
DE 85 SPARKMAN, J. (6-6, 265)
LB 55 Lotulelei, Tau (6-1, 220)
LB 41 Maka, Tani (6-1, 250)
LB 43 Hasson, Tim (6-2, 215)
CB 17 Penny, Kenneth (5-11, 170)
SS 42 Vea, Peni (6-1, 200)
FS 32 Horsey, Mike (6-0, 180)
CB 29 Hasson, Tajh (6-1, 195)

Six players honored by Phil Steele:

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Six UNLV football players were named to Phil Steele's 2013 Postseason All-MW Team, including first-team pick Devante Davis.

Davis, a junior wide receiver, has shattered the UNLV record for touchdown receptions in a season with 14 and is just the second Rebel since 1994 to reach the 1,000-yard mark. His 1,194 yards through 12 games is the third-most in program history while his 77 catches stand fourth in a season at UNLV.

Senior running back Tim Cornett, who is UNLV's all-time rushing king and ranks second in conference history with 3,700 yards, was named to the second team. In 2013 he has 1,251 net yards and 15 touchdowns rushing to go with a career-high 142 yards on 28 receptions.

Joining him on the second team was offensive tackle Brett Boyko. The junior left tackle has allowed just one quarterback sack through 12 games.

A trio of Rebels was named to the Third Team: defensive lineman Mark Garrick, safety Peni Vea and cornerback Frank Crawford.

UNLV continues its preparations for the Heart of Dallas Bowl vs. North Texas on New Year's Day. Tickets are $75 apiece (UNLV students with valid I.D. are $20 apiece with a limit of two) and available now by calling (702) 739-FANS (3267) or visiting www.unlvtickets.com.

[GMG24]

I believe in statistics. We are 7-0 when rushing for 150+ yards. UNLV gives up 210 per game. That equation to me = UNT victory. Man I am so giddy for this game to get here. I hope they release the pre-Bowl video soon on Beyond the Green. Harry, any word on when the 5 year stadium donation for club level seats will end? Seeing as how I am a middle school teacher/coach who graduated in May that 20,000 of student loans and my wifes 10,000 student loans. I just want to give everything I can to the cause that is UNT football.

[Mean Green Matt]

If we can keep them from scoring as many points as we do I think we come out on top.

[Texas Stranger]

Both OLB's both safeties and 1 CB are quite light. The DL has some size, but when Byrd the Wyrd gets to the second level he's gonna be a bowling ball.

[greenminer]

Several of their games are still available on espn3 replay.

Nevada

SDSU

Air force

Utah State

[Christopher Walker]

Several of their games are still available on espn3 replay.

Nevada

SDSU

Air force

Utah State

Can you explain how you got there? My attempts at navigating ESPN3's system, with the appropriate replay tab isn't turning anything up.

Seem to be limited by the Yesterday-last 30 days timeframe options.

[filmerj]

Surprised we've seem no one from UNLV on our board. I've visited their board and nothing much going on over their either.

Edited December 29, 2013 by filmerj

[foutsrouts]

I see a conservative ball control/clock management game from us against these guys. And no, I didn't just make that strategy up.

[greenminer]

Can you explain how you got there? My attempts at navigating ESPN3's system, with the appropriate replay tab isn't turning anything up.

Seem to be limited by the Yesterday-last 30 days timeframe options.

After clicking REPLAY tab, a drop-down menu under DATE appears. Just click it and select "ALL"

I think you've already navigated to the right place/menu, just overlooked the ALL option.

[PlummMeanGreen]

We've already been cursed as the favorite which is a huge incentive for our foe.

How many times have we seen that work against us as in particular...........UTSA?

For that game we were flat as a pancake and as I've seen this team in 3 years of Apogee-based football. Of course, UTSA came into "OUR" place as under-dog and with incentive of doing what they said they would do to us for about a year for those of us who read their what their posters said. It was a hard loss to take for all of us.

MWC football may be a step above CUSA's right now. Would Rice or even Marshall have challenged their champion, ie, the Fresno State Bulldogs or even a Boise State? How would we have fared against either of those teams? Of course, we'll never know but we're just speculating here as it is.

In a 93,000 seat Cotton Bowl stadium will we really have a home field advantage? Do the Cowboys have that in their 100,000 seat stadium? Some DFW sports media types say "no" on that one.

Coach Mac, tell them the ACME Las Vegas Odds-Makers, Inc. have the Rebels stomping our butts. 2 teams close in talent many times it can be just one incentive that can make a difference and I believe our 2 teams playing in the Cotton Bowl stadium this Wednesday are fairly close in talent.

GMG!

Edited December 29, 2013 by PlummMeanGreen

[Christopher Walker]

After clicking REPLAY tab, a drop-down menu under DATE appears. Just click it and select "ALL"

I think you've already navigated to the right place/menu, just overlooked the ALL option.

Gotcha.