5 burning questions for UNLV-Fresno State game

Five key questions as UNLV prepares to play Fresno State at 7 p.m. Friday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

1. How hot is Rebels football coach Bobby Hauck’s seat? It’s getting pretty warm, but no changes will be made at this point in the season. If the Rebels don’t somehow turn around their season, however, it will be pretty heated a month from now and the talk of a successor — Jim Fassel? June Jones? — will start happening.

2. Will quarterback Blake Decker, who has an injured right arm, play against Fresno State? It’s too soon to tell, but either way, UNLV needs considerably better play out of that position. Decker has talent, but his decision making has killed the Rebels. His backup, Nick Sherry, has suffered a complete loss in confidence, so Decker remains the best hope.

3. Will running back Keith Whitely, who has an injured left knee or leg, play? Similar answer to Decker, but at least the Rebels are better at that position should Whitely be forced to sit. UNLV, of course, is better off with a healthy Whitely on the field because he has emerged as the team’s best back and shows promise he could be outstanding by the time he is done.

4. Will wide receiver Devante Davis return this season? Because Hauck is secretive about injuries, it’s difficult to get a good gauge. It appears as if Davis has been wearing a cast on his right wrist, so a quick return doesn’t seem likely. UNLV does have talent at wide receiver, but to be without a future NFL player is a big blow.

5. What kind of crowd will show up Friday night? The Rebels couldn’t draw when they were making a bowl run last season, so they’re certainly not going to pack the stands when the team is playing this poorly. What will be interesting to see is if there are more Fresno State fans in the crowd than those cheering for UNLV. Rebels fans are ready for basketball.