Players to watch in UNLV-Houston game

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Sep 11, 2014; Provo, UT, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback John O'Korn (5) looks down the field to throw the ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the third quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Brigham Young Cougars won the game 33-25. (Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports)

Aug 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Derrick Mathews (49) tackles UTSA Roadrunners quarterback Tucker Carter (6) for a loss during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

These are the three players to watch when UNLV plays at Houston at 5 p.m. PDT Saturday.

1. UNLV senior wide receiver Devante Davis. He is from Houston and wanted to play for the Cougars, so you know he’s fired up for this game. Davis also is coming off a 150-yard, two-touchdown performance, but is upset over a pass his way that was tipped into an interception in the end zone. Expect a big game from him.

2. Houston sophomore quarterback John O’Korn. Mobile quarterbacks have hurt the Rebels this season, so if UNLV can keep O’Korn from making big plays with his feet, that will be a major step for the defense. But the Cougars have a habit of producing standout quarterbacks, and O’Korn has the makings of being the next one.

3. Houston senior middle linebacker Derrick Mathews. He is Davis’ best friend, and UNLV coach Bobby Hauck remarked earlier in the week how he would have loved to landed both players. Mathews would have been quite a get because he has the ability to find the ball and make drive-stalling plays.