5 things to watch in UNLV-Houston game

Five things to watch when UNLV plays Houston at 5 p.m. PDT Saturday:

1. Houston long has been known for its passing attack, and that hasn’t changed with John O’Korn at quarterback. UNLV’s defense hasn’t responded well to quality quarterbacks, giving up 425 yards passing to Arizona’s Anu Solomon and 285 to Northern Illinois’ Drew Hare, so the Rebels need to step it up in that area.

2. The Rebels’ offense came together in the second half of Saturday’s 48-34 loss to Northern Illinois, scoring 29 points and racking up 299 yards to nearly steal the victory. They need to build on that performance not only at Houston but moving forward the rest of the season.

3. Houston led the nation with a plus-25 turnover margin last season, creating 43 takeaways. They also have a 26-game streak of creating at least one takeaway. Problems with turnovers hurt the Rebels the past two games.

4. UNLV must improve its third-down defense. Arizona went 11 for 21 on third downs, and Northern Illinois was a startling 15 of 19. If the Rebels had been able to get both offenses off the field sooner, drives wouldn’t have been extended and the total yardage wouldn’t have been as high. And UNLV’s defense wouldn’t seem as bad.

5. Will UNLV wide receiver Marcus Sullivan play? He sat out against Northern Illinois because of a leg injury, but Sullivan dressed for that game, indicating a return to play isn’t far off. With his ability to create plays, Sullivan could be a great X-factor for the Rebels.

MARK ANDERSON/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL