While the Rebels will cite various statistics to paint a picture of some improvement on the field, such development isn’t near the level it needs to be for sustained success.
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The Rebels hung in for a half before Boise State flexed its muscles for a 42-25 victory Friday night. But there remains more hints than not that things are moving, slowly but surely, in the right direction.
When the entirety of Sam Boyd Stadium exhaled late Saturday afternoon from the sheer lunacy that had just transpired, UNLV’s football team had earned itself a three-overtime win against favored Wyoming because of a simple but significant element.
Wyoming is another example that winning can be created different ways at different places. That perhaps more important than anything else for a new coach, understanding one’s culture stands above all else.
Before the Colorado State game, UNLV coach Tony Sanchez was like a prize fighter ready for battle, which made this all the more perplexing: His team never left its corner at the first bell.
UNLV started seven seniors and two juniors on defense, so the constant narrative we hear about the Rebels being young and inexperienced while rebuilding certainly doesn’t apply to that side of the ball.
Most of the attention has turned to the possibility of the Oakland Raiders moving to Las Vegas. There isn’t as much interest anymore about who will drive the Zamboni at Las Vegas NHL games.
A rent of $250,000 per game — $1.5 million over a traditional season of six home games — has been floated as a possible number. It’s also a price that falls in line nationally with other college programs that play in NFL stadiums.
If there is one thing UNLV has lacked more times than not against San Diego State, it’s an inability to match up physically along the lines.
UNLV meets San Diego State on Saturday, and on the staff opposing the Rebels are a few names who know well the gargantuan hurdles that have faced those who have sat in the head coach’s office.
No one could have imagined back in 1928 the pot of gold the NFL would become, nor how exclusive and valued a franchise would be to those cities hosting them. If such a truth is going to find Las Vegas, this is certain: It must happen now.
UNLV ran past Fresno State 45-20 on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium and in the process offered the sort of quarterback play from Dalton Sneed that wins games far more times than not.
Progress can be defined countless ways, and this includes how many reacted across social media to the Rebels falling as a two-touchdown favorite at home to a team destined for the Football Championship Subdivision level.
Tom Kemp, 80, and Len Schweitzer, 81, witnessed UNLV’s first football game in 1968, and they have witnessed just about every UNLV home football game since.
The Vandals meet UNLV on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium at 6, and will continue playing this season and next at the Football Bowl Subdivision level before dropping to the Football Championship Subdivision.
