Jackson State vs. UNLV: position-by-position breakdown
QUARTERBACK
The Rebels enter with an unknown at quarterback in junior Johnny Stanton, a transfer from Saddleback College who beat out junior Kurt Palandech for the starting job. Jackson State returns La Montiez Ivy, who passed for 2,199 yards and 15 touchdowns last year.
Edge: Jackson State
RUNNING BACK
Sophomore Lexington Thomas could be poised for a breakout year at UNLV after rushing for 506 yards as a freshman. Coach Tony Sanchez also has high hopes for freshman Charles Williams. Jackson State’s leading rusher had 409 yards last year.
Edge: UNLV
WIDE RECEIVER
Junior Devonte Boyd gives the Rebels a stud atop a strong position group, even with the loss of junior Kendal Keys to season-ending knee surgery. Jackson State receiver Devi Fosselman had 58 catches for 872 yards last year, but the Tigers don’t have someone as touted as Boyd.
Edge: UNLV
TIGHT ENDS
UNLV has a potential pro prospect at tight end in senior Andrew Price, and new depth at the position with the addition of transfers Trevor Kanteman and Tim Holt. Jackson State returns Jabari Payton and Tevin Garrett, who caught 14 passes for 225 yards combined last year.
Edge: UNLV
OFFENSIVE LINE
The Rebels will have plenty of beef in the middle, with two 300-pound guards set to flank senior center Will Kreitler, an honorable mention All-Mountain West pick last season. The Jaguars’ are very young up front, with five freshmen and no seniors on the line.
Edge: UNLV
DEFENSIVE LINE
Both teams need to improve on the defensive line to be competitive in 2016. UNLV gave up 2610 yards on the ground last season and had only nine sacks as a team. Jackson State allowed 2066 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns last year.
Edge: Push
LINEBACKER
The Rebels return three starters at the position in senior Tau Lotulelei, senior Ryan McAleenan and junior Matt Lea. Sanchez has also said the team is confident in its two-deep and could run as many as six guys out there at the position.
Edge: UNLV
SECONDARY
Sophomore Tim Hough returns after picking off four passes a season ago for UNLV and will start at nickelback. Sophomore Darius Mouton will start at corner after a strong fall camp alongside senior Torry McTyer. Jackson State only had six interceptions last year.
Edge: UNLV
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jackson State returns kicker Ryan Deising, who made 16 of 21 field goals last year, but the team averaged only 31.5 net yards per punt in 2015. Sanchez said UNLV’s new transfer punter, Evan Pantels, “had a phenomenal camp.” The Rebels should also have a stronger kick return game thanks to McTyer and Williams.
Edge: UNLV
INTANGIBLES
The Rebels are motivated to prove they’re on an upward trajectory in Sanchez’s second season at the helm. Starting with an FCS opponent should allow the season to start off on a smooth note.
Edge: UNLV
HANDICAPPER’S TAKE
Bruce Marshall (goldsheet.com): Jackson State at UNLV — Whereas these games vs. FCS foes often proved a problem for the Rebels in the Bobby Hauck era, the new personality of the program under Tony Sanchez might have been reflected no better than in the 80-8 romp past lower-level Idaho State last year at Sam Boyd Stadium. Sanchez will want a crisp effort, but no compelling reason for the Rebs to run up a score on this iconic SWAC entry, as the Tigers seem to be made of stern enough stuff to not be completely humiliated in the opener. Score forecast: UNLV 47 - Jackson State 17
Ben Gotz is a sports reporter at the Las Vegas Review Journal. Contact him at bgotz@reviewjournal.com or follow him on Twitter @BenSGotz
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