Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Robinson pumped for Vols' challenge

UNLV a 20-point underdog in season opener at Tennessee

By MARK ANDERSON
REVIEW-JOURNAL

"If Tennessee plays their best and we play our best, Tennessee wins the game. No question about it." JOHN ROBINSON UNLV FOOTBALL COACH

A veteran of many big games and a winner in a good portion of them, UNLV football coach John Robinson is noticeably excited about one of the most important nights in the Rebels' history.

They open the season at No. 14 Tennessee at 5 p.m. PDT Sunday before a packed 104,079-seat Neyland Stadium and a national-television audience on ESPN2.

Adding to the atmosphere, the Volunteers will don white throwback-style uniforms from the early 1970s.

"On Sunday night, people will be so eager for football, they'll even watch NFL preseason," Robinson said Monday. "Playing before 104,000 people, you don't know what that is going to be like. I don't think you ever get used to that. There is a tingling feeling, and it's a great feeling.

"It can be a wonderful experience, and it can be an intimidating experience. You can have a 6-foot putt to win the Masters, and it can be the greatest opportunity or it can be the worst kind of experience. We get to choose."

Robinson has chosen to make the most of big moments, the most recent a 23-5 UNLV victory at Wisconsin last year. His 8-1 bowl record is the greatest ever by percentage, and his most recent conquest was over Arkansas in the 2000 Las Vegas Bowl.

Robinson also was 4-0 in Rose Bowls at Southern California, and led the Trojans to a pair of regular-season victories over Tennessee.

Oddsmakers give the Rebels little chance to beat the Volunteers, labeling UNLV a 20-point underdog. A victory probably would be the greatest in school history, and even being competitive would be a boost of confidence.

"If Tennessee plays their best and we play our best, Tennessee wins the game," Robinson said. "No question about it. But if we play within ourselves and put together a focused, calm and patient effort, we can win this game. We have enough veterans to get the job done."

UNLV will be missing two key players, though.

Tight end Greg Estandia, expected to have an important role in the passing game, is out at least two weeks with a sprained left knee. His target return is Sept. 18 against Air Force.

Punt returner Tremayne Kirkland is out with a separated right shoulder, but there is optimism regarding his condition. Robinson feared Kirkland would miss the season, but after the player visited a Los Angeles specialist Monday, there is hope he could return in two or three weeks.

What UNLV's season looks like by then is another matter. After Tennessee, the Rebels visit Wisconsin on Sept. 11.

UNLV's third game, the Mountain West Conference opener against Air Force, takes on even greater importance if the Rebels return 0-2. Even if they manage to grab at least one upset, it's still a game Robinson already has an eye on.

"The most important (game) is the third one against Air Force, but the first two are bigger opportunities for the players to enjoy the experience," Robinson said.