Look. UNLV wasn’t winning this game. It’s not near as fast or talented as Arizona, which entered a 24-point favorite. But coming off a 7-6 season and bowl appearance, the Rebels needed to show up far more than they did
UNLV
Arizona failed to score on its first two offensive possessions Friday night, and the UNLV defense had to be feeling pretty good. But it didn’t take long for Terris Jones-Grigsby to eradicate whatever sense of satisfaction the Rebels defense had.
Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon saved one last big smile after a statistically spectacular debut Friday night for the end of the postgame news conference.
UNLV always knew Arizona was likely its toughest opponent on the schedule, and the Rebels better hope that’s the case following Friday’s lopsided season-opening loss.
The Rebels fall to Arizona by a score of 58-13 for the second year in a row.
The Rebels are excited about opportunities and not worried about obstacles as they open the season against heavily favored Arizona. That’s an important change for Bobby Hauck’s team.
Senior wide receiver Devante Davis repaid the loyalty UNLV showed him by twice deciding to stay with the Rebels for another season. He should end his career as one of the greatest receivers in school history.
Senior Devante Davis is the face of UNLV’s wide receivers, but this is a deep group that goes into Friday’s 7:30 p.m. season opener at Arizona.
UNLV thought it had no shot at a bowl bid after a low Academic Progress Rate number. But when the Rebels later found out they would be eligible, that gave the program extra life.
Boise State, Fresno State are the favorites to win their divisions this season. Expectations aren’t as high for UNLV, which was picked fourth in the West Division.
Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon makes his first career start, and it’s against his hometown team.
Confidence is high in Reno that UNR will take back the Fremont Cannon from UNLV. Quarterback Cody Fajardo stated as much in a tweet last month, and two Reno Gazette-Journal reporters predict a Wolf Pack victory when they play UNLV on Thanksgiving weekend.
Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay recently hold his state’s board of regents the school might not be able to afford football. That would be a damaging blow to UNLV and the Mountain West.
Even though UNLV went to a spread offense last football season, coach Bobby Hauck made sure the tight ends were an integral part of the attack. They will be again this season.
UNLV star wide receiver Devante Davis has had an outstanding training camp. He also has had fun during the process.
