UNLV Report Card: UNLV vs. Houston

Final score: Houston 47, UNLV 14.

OFFENSE: D

The only thing keeping this from a big, fat F is the fact UNLV rushed 39 times for 170 yards, led by a solid effort from sophomore Keith Whitely (14 rushes, 82 yards, touchdown). Blake Decker (12-of-28 passing for 113 yards and two interceptions) had a forgettable night at quarterback and star wide receiver Devante Davis (one catch for zero yards) was limited early by double- and triple-team coverage and late by a recurring wrist injury. The Rebels were handed the ball twice in the first half via interceptions (once at the Houston 41-year line and another near midfield) and produced zero points.

DEFENSE: D

Consider: Houston rushed for more yards in the second half (263) than its three previous games combined. In total, the Cougars ran 52 times for 399 yards. Worse, it appeared the Rebels flat gave up on plays as the deficit grew. UNLV had two interceptions and actually played decent on third down (Houston converted 7-of-16), but allowing that many rushing yards to primarily a passing offense is inexcusable.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Incomplete.

Nothing much stood out, which isn’t a surprise given the margin of victory and how Houston scored its points. Nicolai Bornand missed a 50-yard field-goal attempt.

COACHING: F

Bobby Hauck admitted afterward that he and his staff didn’t believe Houston would run the ball. (lol). A conservative approach has crept back into the offensive play calling and the defense is a mess. It’s a bottom-line business — Hauck’s self-anointed best UNLV team is 1-3 and has been blown out twice. Not. Acceptable.