Rebels-Lobos: Let’s run

In 2011, UNLV launched a marketing campaign for basketball coach Dave Rice’s first season called “Let’s run.”

The Rebels really didn’t run much on the court that season or even since.

“Let’s run” would be a more appropriate slogan for what will play out on the football field today at Sam Boyd Stadium, where UNLV and New Mexico each look to establish a strong ground game when the teams meet at 2:30 p.m.

For the Lobos (2-5, 0-3 Mountain West), running is a way of life because they operate the triple option offense. New Mexico averages 304.4 yards per game rushing and 84.6 passing. Given that UNLV (2-6, 1-3) gives up a 263.8 rushing average, there is little reason to think the Lobos will alter their attack.

“When you play New Mexico with their style of offense, in particular, you need every day (of preparation),” UNLV coach Bobby Hauck said. “You need every minute.”

But the Lobos can’t stop opposing running games, either, allowing an even worse 284.3-yard average. UNLV sophomore running back Keith Whitely, who averages 4.7 yards per carry, has been waiting for a true breakout game, and this looks like the opportunity to have one. He has rushed for at least 79 yards four times, but hasn’t hit 100 yet.

“The offensive line is really working hard this week to try to get the rhythm of the offense going,” Whitely said. “So I think we can have a big, explosive game against New Mexico. We’ve got to tune in at practice and execute.”

Unlike New Mexico, however, the Rebels won’t stick solely with the running game. They like to mix up their attack, having run 292 times and passed 281. But there have been more pass play calls, with the 26 sacks against the Rebels counting as running plays.

Just as there should be opportunities for success on the ground, UNLV should be able to make plays throwing the ball. New Mexico allows a 204.1 average, and Rebels quarterback Blake Decker is improving, completing 58.1 percent of his passes for 1,899 yards. He has thrown for more than 250 yards five times, including in three of the past four games.

If this game is like last season’s 56-42 victory by UNLV, expect plenty of offense. History certainly is in the Rebels’ favor, having won five of the past six meetings.

Oddsmakers expect a close game, installing the Rebels as 1-point favorites.

They need to find a way to come out on top because this has long been considered their most winnable game. If UNLV beats New Mexico and then rides that momentum to a victory over Air Force next week, also at Sam Boyd Stadium, the Rebels could put together a positive final month of the season.

They’re looking to do more than that, holding out hope of running the table and making a bowl. UNLV has no margin for error, and such a run isn’t realistic, at least to those outside the football offices and locker room.

Inside that building, however, the Rebels aren’t listening to the outside world.

“We’ve got five games left in this season, and we’re going to try to win them all and get to this bowl game,” Whitely said. “Whatever we’ve got to do to find it offensively, defensively, special teams, we’re going to make it happen.”

Maybe the Rebels will prove the doubters wrong. They’ve got to play much better than they have, though, and that begins today.

“As a team, we really try not to pay attention to what other people are saying,” offensive tackle Brett Boyko said. “We know when we come in here, it’s our group kind of against everybody. We pay attention to our issues and what we need and who we are.”

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