Ticket sales lagging for Rebels opener

Barring a massive walk-up, for the first time there won't be a sellout when Wisconsin's football team visits UNLV. Saturday's 8 p.m. season opener is expected to draw a crowd of about 30,000 to the 36,800-seat Sam Boyd Stadium.

All four previous home games against the Badgers were sellouts that included the three largest crowds in stadium history.

This game would seem to be a top draw considering Wisconsin is ranked No. 12 and the Rebels are breaking in a new coach, Bobby Hauck. But the lagging economy has prompted many Wisconsin fans to stay home, greatly cutting into the attendance. And it's no secret the Las Vegas economy has taken a major hit.

Still, UNLV can't be pleased it apparently will fall well short of a sellout with a game that has plenty to sell.