5 things to look for during the UNLV-Idaho game

Five things to look for when UNLV’s football team plays at Idaho at 4 p.m. Saturday:

1. The first 5-10 minutes will be telling. If UNLV is competitive right away, that’s an indication they have put their 43-40 loss to Howard on Saturday behind them. But if the Rebels struggle early, expect them to be in for a difficult game.

2. UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said quarterback Armani Rogers will be able to air it out more often. He passed just 19 times, and two were spikes, against the Bison. But Rogers was effective, throwing for 220 yards and rushing for 82.

3. The Rebels loaded up the box to stop Howard quarterback Caylin Newton, and he still rushed for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Now they likely will have to play more straight up against an Idaho offense that can run and pass effectively, but maybe the Rebels will take some chances by throwing in some blitzes.

4. UNLV faces an Idaho defense that is willing to trade giving up yards to keep teams out of the end zone. So the Rebels, who scored just three touchdowns on seven trips inside the 20-yard line against the Bison, will need to improve their red zone offense.

5. Self-inflicted wounds doomed the Rebels against Howard. So how much did they clean up that in the week between games? If UNLV plays a much cleaner game, the Rebels should put themselves in position to at least be competitive and maybe win.

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