In a five-part series titled “Rebels in Ruins,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal analyzes UNLV’s downward trajectory in the revenue sports, how expansion and television revenues have widened the gap between the Power Five and Group of Five conferences, and what, if anything, the Rebels can do to expedite a return to prominence.
UNLV plays UNR at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium. The teams play for the Fremont Cannon and state bragging rights.
Breaking down UNLV’s game against UNR at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.
One of the main problems with UNLV athletics, perhaps the central one, is the fact it either doesn’t realize or accept its place in today’s world of collegiate athletics.
Attendance has sagged since the UNLV-UNR game was moved to Thanksgiving weekend in 2016. Rebels coach Tony Sanchez likes the idea of playing the game on Nevada Day or that weekend.
UNLV wide receiver Drew Tejchman helped out at safety in Saturday’s 35-28 loss at Hawaii, and he intercepted a pass and broke up another one.
The gap between the Power Five and Group of Five conferences continues to grow. It leaves schools such as UNLV in a difficult spot.
Here’s the part often lost in the suggestion that UNLV would be better off without major college football: Such a move wouldn’t come without serious consequences.
Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State dropped football in the early 1990s because of financial considerations. UNLV, however, remains committed to the sport.
A decision on UNLV coach Tony Sanchez’s future will be announced after the season. The Rebels play UNR on Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.
