Palandech named starter for UNLV-San Jose State game

This time sophomore Kurt Palandech knows he will be the one getting the football.

UNLV coach Tony Sanchez named Palandech the Rebels' starting quarterback for the game against San Jose State at 6 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Senior Blake Decker, the usual starter, separated his non-throwing shoulder during the second quarter of Saturday's 23-17 victory at UNR and will be available as the emergency quarterback.

"If (Decker) was healthy, it would be a different story, but he's probably going to be about 80 percent," Sanchez said Monday.

Palandech has been used in spots throughout the season, and twice he was put in for extended action when Decker got hurt. He struggled both times, but played better during the most recent performance at UNR in completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards and rushing for a 12-yard touchdown.

But the Rebels' offense bogged down during the second half, totaling 55 yards as the Wolf Pack rallied to nearly take the victory. UNR shut down UNLV's run game when it became clear the Rebels weren't going to beat the Wolf Pack through the air.

Palandech completed 4 of 15 passes for 4 yards on Sept. 12 against UCLA. One of his throws was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

Now, though, Palandech will work with the first-team offense all week, and should enter the game against San Jose State more prepared than for the other two.

"I've got great confidence in Kurt," UNLV running back Keith Whitely said. "I know he's going to do a good job."

Quarterback also is a question mark for San Jose State. Junior Kenny Potter could return this week from a high ankle sprain that sidelined him the past two weeks, but senior Joe Gray has played well in his absence.

Gray has completed 41 of 56 passes for 476 yards and four touchdowns, with two interceptions. Potter is 28 of 38 for 291 yards and a touchdown, with one interception.

"Kenny has been getting better and improving the last week or so, and I'm encouraged where he's at," Spartans coach Ron Caragher said. "He's still going to be day to day. We have to see where he's at when he comes out (today). It's the first time really getting to see him since last Thursday's practice.

"We'll have to see the next couple of days how Kenny has progressed to be able to make that call if he's going to be healthy enough to be cleared if he's going to go on Saturday."

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him: @markanderson65