It’s finally time for football

School is back in session! It seems like the summer flew by, but it also seems like forever since we’ve watched some football. Finally the NFL kicks off this week, and college football kicked off last weekend.

The Rebels had the tough task of starting their season playing the Arizona Wildcats, just like last year. Unfortunately, also just like last year, the final score was in favor of the Wildcats, 58-13.

However, there is still a lot of optimism among Rebel fans and supporters. To me, the bright spots of the opening game were the wide receivers and new quarterback. I think we will keep improving and if our defense picks up, we will be kicking butt.

We remember starting off last year with a loss like this at home, and by the end of the year, the Rebels were playing in a bowl game. So bandwagoners, feel free to jump on now or later. The real Rebel fans will be here through it all.

As usual, the tailgating crew is ready to rock and roll this weekend. Come by and say hello if you know where to find us, or send me an email and I can direct you. We will be out there at 4 p.m. for the 7 p.m. kickoff against Northern Colorado this Saturday. Don’t forget to bookmark the Review Journal’s new Gameday page at: lvrj.com/rebelgameday.

UNLV women’s volleyball, along with men’s and women’s soccer have all started. There were some improvements made to the soccer field, so I’m excited to get out to a game and check that out. You can find all the schedules on unlvrebels.com and you can also download their new Gameday mobile app from there as well. It’s pretty cool and shows information for every sport, as well as your tweets!

Of course, we can’t forget about basketball. Basketball practice officially starts in only a few more weeks and the Runnin’ Rebels’ first game is November 5.

A couple of shout-outs to some Las Vegas friends who are leaving to continue their dream of playing basketball - Devin Matthews from Durango HS, played at Pierce Community College last year, and is headed to Central Washington University.

Also, Sam Johnson from Legacy HS, played 4 years at Minot University, and has signed to play professionally overseas in Spain. I wish them both the best of luck!

There are also some former Rebels continuing their careers overseas, including Michael Umeh (Italy), Chace Stanback (Switzerland), Anthony Marshall (Belgium), Jerel Blassingame (Croatia) and Mike Moser (Lithuania).

And we can’t forget Khem Birch who will open training camp with the Miami Heat on September 27!

Well, Rebel fans, I hope to see you at the game this Saturday vs Northern Colorado or next Saturday against Northern Illinois (That game is at 4 p.m. on September 13). And … GO REBELS!

Contact Lori Cox at unlvgirlblog@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @UNLVgirl.