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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Never in its history has the Fremont Cannon deserved to be painted blue as it does now, the result of a 45-10 victory by UNR on Saturday that saw the Wolf Pack outcoach, outplay, and outwork UNLV in every imaginable way.
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.
The fact remains that those playing quarterback for UNLV don’t have the passing skills to play winning football. They’re just not good enough. Not close to being so.
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.
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.