Ault not pleased with UNR’s progress

The fact UNR is 1-3 is not surprising, probably not even to coach Chris Ault.

UNR lost several notable players, including quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua, from the team that went 13-1 last season.

The Wolf Pack, who host UNLV (1-3) at 4 p.m. Saturday, also opened this season playing all road games -- at Oregon, San Jose State, Texas Tech and Boise State.

But even though the Wolf Pack's record isn't a surprise, Ault isn't pleased with how they got there.

"We're not playing well," Ault said. "We've got to find a way to play better. Whether it was UNLV or somebody else, it really wouldn't make a difference at this particular juncture. We're 1-3, and we've got to stop that slide right now.

"I thought we'd be further along on both sides of the ball."

UNR is particularly unsettled at quarterback, having played three at that position. Cody Fajardo or Tyler Lantrip will start against the Rebels.

Fajardo, a dual threat who has rushed for 197 yards, missed the Wolf Pack's 30-10 loss at Boise State on Saturday because of an injured left shoulder. Ault told reporters after the game he "felt like Cody could have possibly played this week. And yet there wasn't much of an effort from his side of it."

Lantrip's results are mixed at best. He has completed 53.3 percent of his passes for 572 yards and two touchdowns, with five interceptions. Lantrip also has rushed for 145 yards.

UNLV, of course, has had its troubles with Wolf Pack quarterbacks, and the Rebels know whoever is under center will be motivated to extend UNR's six-game winning streak in the series.

"Our seniors have never lost," Lantrip said, "and I plan on making sure that doesn't happen again."

NOTABLE

UNR isn't the only school with an unusual schedule. UNLV is in a 35-day stretch between home games that includes two road trips and two bye weeks. The Rebels' next home game is Oct. 29 against Colorado State. ... UNR's Allen Hardison is a former UNLV kicker and soccer player. "They really know the rivalry up here," he told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "When I was at UNLV, our seniors never saw the Fremont Cannon. So when I came up here to look at the school and saw the cannon sitting in the office, that was a pretty cool thing to see." ... UNLV wide receiver Phillip Payne, listed as questionable with an injured leg, needs one touchdown catch to tie Henry Bailey's school record of 24. He also is seven behind the Mountain West Conference record set by former Brigham Young and current Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Austin Collie.

KEY MATCHUP

UNLV's defensive line vs. UNR's offensive line

The Rebels received good play up front the past two games, and they need it to continue to have a chance to stop UNR's pistol offense. UNLV can't let Wolf Pack skill players get around the edge, as they have done so often against the Rebels.

INJURY REPORT

(Supplied by UNLV)

Player Pos. Injury Status

Corbin Brown DB Leg Out

Aaron Reed H-back Leg Out

Jason Koontz OL Back Out

Taylor Spencer WR Leg Out

Alvin Almicar DL Arm Doubtful

Michael Johnson WR Leg Doubtful

Quinton Pointer DB Leg Doubtful

Kenneth Spigner DB Undisclosed Doubtful

Kyle Watkins TE Leg Doubtful