Five takeaways from UNLV’s 33-30 loss to Idaho on Saturday night

Five takeaways from UNLV’s 33-30 overtime loss to Idaho on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium:

1. So much for bad losses being behind the Rebels.

Under coach Tony Sanchez, UNLV had at least defeated the teams it was supposed to in routs of Football Championship Subdivision schools Idaho State (80-8) last season and Jackson State (63-13) this season, along with a 41-21 win over a weak Hawaii squad last year. Losses to lower-tier teams such as FCS schools Southern Utah and Northern Arizona appeared to be behind the Rebels but those dark days reared their ugly head again Saturday. UNLV (1-3) was a 15-point favorite over Idaho, which will drop down to the FCS in 2018, was playing its third straight road game and had been outscored 115-20 in losses at Washington and Washington State after barely beating FCS side Montana State 20-17 in its opener.

2. Stanton’s not the solution at quarterback.

When the Football Bowl Subdivision statistics were updated after Saturday’s games, UNLV junior Johnny Stanton ranked dead last in completion percentage (46.7, 50 of 107) among 121 FBS quarterbacks. Stanton, who has thrown for 676 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions, is No. 114 in passing efficiency (107.1). He rushed for 131 yards on 18 carries Saturday but couldn’t overcome a brutal start throwing the ball. He threw two first-half interceptions to Vandals linebacker Kaden Elliss, who returned one for a touchdown and would’ve had another pick-six on the third play of the game had he not dropped the ball. Stanton improved as the game went on, but it might be time to at least take a look at backup Kurt Palandech and/or redshirt freshman Dalton Sneed.

3. Secondary might be bigger problem on defense than the pass rush.

After producing only two sacks in their first three games, the Rebels sacked Idaho quarterback Matt Linehan three times in the first half alone Saturday. The secondary has emerged as the bigger issue facing UNLV. After allowing six touchdown passes to Central Michigan quarterback Cooper Rush, who had his pick of wide-open receivers, the Rebels’ defensive backs were beaten time and again by Vandals receivers on a bevy of deep balls thrown by Linehan. UNLV is tied for 91st in the nation in passing yards allowed (256.3 ypg, nine TD passes).

4. Coffee is for closers.

UNLV has now either had the lead or been within a touchdown in the fourth quarter of 12 of 16 games under Sanchez, but it needs to find a finishing kick. The Rebels outgained the Vandals by 161 yards (539-378) but settled for three short field goals in the second half and overtime.

“We put the ball in the end zone one of those times and we’re not even sitting here talking about it,” Sanchez said. “Well, we are, but it’s a lot happier.”

5. Wait till next year.

After Saturday’s embarrassing loss, it now appears the only bowling UNLV will do over the holidays will be at an alley in Las Vegas. To become bowl-eligible, the Rebels would have to sweep their remaining four home games (against Fresno State, Colorado State, Wyoming and UNR) and pull out a road win at Hawaii or San Jose State.

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354. Follow him on Twitter: @tdewey33.