Rebels hope QB Sherry provides missing deep threat

A deep running attack and an offensive line that returns every starter. A banged-up feature wide receiver and a redshirt freshman starting quarterback.

Yeah, it wouldn't be a shock if UNLV played it safe in tonight's season opener.

But maybe not.

"It's not going to look like Peyton Manning's playbook, but we're going to have a pretty comprehensive offensive plan," third-year coach Bobby Hauck said. "You have to in first games because you don't know what they're going to do. You game-plan off of last year's film, and you have enough to go to if they change up."

So Nick Sherry, the redshirt freshman who is the Rebels' latest hope at quarterback, could show off his strong arm when UNLV plays Minnesota at 8 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium in a game that will be televised on CBS Sports Network (Cable 333).

He showed the ability to go deep throughout training camp, often using a slick play-action fake.

The Rebels need an effective passing game after years of searching for one. Their 109.6-yard average last season ranked ahead of only option-oriented teams Navy and Army.

"I tell him to have fun," offensive tackle Yusef Rodgers said of Sherry. "I want him to enjoy these days. I don't want him to take anything for granted. If he makes a mistake, we're going to pick him up."

For his part, Sherry has given more politically correct answers to reporters' queries than a candidate two days from an election.

"I've just got to go out there and manage the game and help all these guys (on offense) get it going," Sherry said.

UNLV probably doesn't need him to be the next Randall Cunningham, but Sherry needs to offer a threat and give the Rebels' outstanding running game a chance.

Tim Cornett, Bradley Randle and Dionza Bradford combined to average 4.9 yards per carry last season, and they are among the deepest and most effective units in the Mountain West Conference.

They also operate behind a line that gained valuable experience last season and proved to be quality run blockers.

"I think we'll run the ball fine," Hauck said. "I think we'll throw it substantially better than we did a year ago. I kind of get some humor out of the fact we talk about our veteran offensive line with three sophomore starters."

The young line gave up 35 sacks last season, tied with Colorado State for last in the conference. Some of it was the line's fault, but the lack of a deep threat didn't help.

The players expected to go long, Marcus Sullivan and Eric Johnson, were declared academically ineligible.

Both players are back, but Sullivan hasn't been the same since absorbing two big hits in practice Aug. 16. Hauck hasn't said whether Sullivan, perhaps UNLV's top playmaker, will be in the lineup.

Johnson, who doubles as a running back, might not play because of an injured left hamstring.

So extra responsibility could fall on sophomore Taylor Spencer to stretch the field and relieve pressure on Sherry.

No matter who is available, the Rebels need to make a positive showing tonight. They are coming off a 2-10 season and have won only two games in six of the past eight seasons. Now, UNLV faces a Minnesota team that was 3-9 last season under first-year coach Jerry Kill.

Hauck has been noticeably relaxed, and the word "confident" has been tossed around all preseason. This game will show whether it's a false confidence or if there truly is something different about this team.

"I think we feel pretty good about the work we got in and the things we've done to get ready for the season," Hauck said. "But first games are always kind of nerve-racking because you don't know what you're going to get from either side.

"We've got a Big Ten football team coming in here, and we have hopes that we're going to be highly competitive. We'll see if we can stand up to that kind of pressure."

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