5 burning questions for the UNLV-Idaho game

Five burning questions as the UNLV football team prepares for its game at Idaho at 4 p.m. Saturday:

1. How do the Rebels bounce back?

They have to find a way to somehow put last Saturday’s 43-40 loss to Howard behind them. It won’t be easy considering the Rebels were 45-point favorites, and this was a game that should have been as much of a gimme as a 2-foot putt. But there is no choice in the matter if UNLV still wants to make something of this season.

2. Will they clean up their mistakes?

Time will tell. What was so distressing about the opener was how many unforced errors UNLV committed. Jumping offsides on the opening kickoff. The false starts. The bobbled snaps. A dropped pass for a first down. Yes, a lot of mistakes happen in the first game, but those are the kinds of errors that should have been cleaned up in training camp.

3. Will the defense make any plays?

It better. This was believed to be a more athletic defense, though inexperienced. What about a good defense? UNLV hasn’t had one of those in years, and the Howard game didn’t do anything to ease concerns. They were heightened, in fact. UNLV has a good enough offense that the defense doesn’t need to be great, but make some key stops. Now it’s a matter of doing it. The question is will it?

4. Is there any chance at Idaho?

If there was a chance Howard would beat UNLV, then the Rebels can win at Idaho. They need to up their game considerably. Take advantage of red-zone opportunities. Don’t commit drive-killing penalties. Maybe take a few more chances offensively. It probably won’t be easy, but it’s doable.

5. Is the season over?

A lot of fans posed that question, but the season isn’t over. There are still 11 games left to play, and many things can happen. UNLV could win at Idaho, and that could provide enough of a spark to pick up some more victories. There is no question, however, there already is a sense of urgency. If the Rebels lose at Idaho, they’re looking at another defeat two weeks later at Ohio State. Coming back from 0-3 would be asking a lot.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.