5 things to watch in UNLV-Northern Illinois game

Five things to watch when UNLV plays Northern Illinois at 4 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium:

1. UNLV was expected to own the Mountain West’s best offensive line, but quarterback Blake Decker has often found himself on the run. Now the Rebels face a Northern Illinois team that is good at pressuring the quarterback, registering five sacks Saturday at Northwestern.

2. The Rebels have scored just 13 points in each of the first two games. UNLV’s running game struggled in the opener; its passing attack in the second game. Both need to work to have any chance against the Huskies.

3. Northern Illinois runs the zone-read offense that has given UNLV’s defense fits over the years. The Rebels especially struggled against that type of offense in the opener at Arizona. They must at least contain the zone read against the Huskies to give their struggling offense a chance.

4. After two disappointing games, the Rebels’ mental state is being tested. If UNLV gets off to a slow start against the Huskies, the game could hinge on where the Rebels’ confidence level lies.

5. Northern Illinois played three quarterbacks at Northwestern, so preparing for more than one QB will be a challenge for UNLV. The Huskies’ third quarterback in that game, Drew Hare, played the best in throwing two touchdown passes in the 23-15 victory.