Defense steps up in scrimmage

UNLV coach Bobby Hauck wanted to see how his defense would respond backed up against the goal line.

He liked what he saw in today's scrimmage at Rebel Park, with the defense making numerous plays to keep running backs out of the end zone.

"Our first two groups on defense were put (in tough spots), and they responded really well," Hauck said.

That's not to say the offense didn't make its share of plays. It definitely made the defense work, even on a windy and cloudy day that made temperatures in the 60s feel much colder.

"It was fairly tough conditions to throw the ball in, but you know what, look at the places we play on the road," Hauck said. "We can certainly have a day like this in Vegas, especially late in the year, so we have to be able to play in adverse conditions. I think our guys have gotten to the point where they have not allowed it to be a concern."

Highlights from today:

— Nick Sherry completed a 21-yard scoring pass to Devante Davis, who got his right foot down just inside the end line.

— Caleb Herring completed a short pass to wide-open tight end Jake Phillips, who turned it into a 47-yard touchdown.

— Bradley Randle ran for a 42-yard touchdown.

— Kurt Davis made a sensational 7-yard scoring catch on a pass from Sherry by reaching over cornerback Fred Wilson.

— Eric Johnson had touchdown runs of 1 and 11 yards.

— Tim Hasson intercepted a pass from Sherry.

The Rebels are off this weekend. They have one week of practice remaining, culminating with Friday's spring game.