Lindley, San Diego State pose stiff test for UNLV

UNLV's struggles against the run are no secret, but it could be argued that the Rebels have been even more susceptible to the pass this season.

They face the Mountain West Conference's best aerial attack in a 5 p.m. game Saturday at San Diego State.

The Aztecs (7-4, 4-3 MWC) average 293.3 yards passing per game, more than 40 yards more than the conference's second-leading team, Utah.

Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson, the conference's two leading receivers, each have more than 1,000 yards receiving. The next closest is Utah's DeVonte Christopher, a Canyon Springs High School product who has 623 yards.

San Diego State junior quarterback Ryan Lindley has built on two promising seasons by throwing for 3,216 yards and 22 touchdowns. He comes off a 528-yard, four-touchdown effort in a 38-34 loss to Utah.

"He sees the field well," UNLV coach Bobby Hauck said. "He knows what defenses are trying to do, and he's got all the throws."

The Rebels (2-9, 2-5) have struggled so much against the run, allowing 223.8 yards per game (third worst nationally), that it has overshadowed their problems defending the pass.

UNLV ranks fourth in the conference and 39th nationally in allowing 200 yards passing per game. But the Rebels are second to last in the Mountain West giving up 8.8 yards per pass attempt, and their pass-efficiency defense is eighth worst in the country.

Quality dropback quarterbacks have repeatedly burned the Rebels, averaging 14.2 yards per completion, which ranks fifth from the bottom nationally.

Now the Rebels have to defend a San Diego State team that also fields an outstanding running game. Ronnie Hillman leads the conference with 104.7 yards per game, making the Aztecs' play-action passing that much more effective.

"We've made plays in both the run game and the throwing game, and we've had a lot of plays against us in both areas," Hauck said. "It's something we're working at."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.