Running game made strides in opener

After our season opener at Wisconsin, I told our team that we are going to be OK. Obviously, when you get beat 51-17 by a top-10 opponent, there are a lot of things to improve upon and correct, but we can also take some positives away from that game.

We had a lot of guys who played for the first time for us -- in fact, 20 were playing their first Division I game -- and I think we made progress throughout the game. There are some good things we did that we can build on moving forward.

It looks like we can hang our hat on our running game, as we ran the ball successfully against a good Wisconsin defense. I like the attitude of our team in the running game. Our backs and linemen were able to get the ball downfield, and we're excited about that.

Also, our sophomore quarterback, Caleb Herring, looked composed and made no big errors. Defensively, we have a lot to work on but have some stuff to build on. We will continue to work hard to become a good-tackling football team.

Another positive is the health of our team. After playing a physical game against Wisconsin, we weren't really banged up. That is a positive sign that we're getting to be a strong, fit team.

On Saturday, we go on the road again to play another BCS conference opponent. Back-to-back road games vs. BCS teams is certainly a tall order for us.

Washington State is coming off a game against Idaho State in which they scored 64 points and I'm sure they're feeling good about themselves -- as they should be. We know the staff up there really well from coaching against them in the Big Sky Conference when we were at Montana and they were at Eastern Washington. We had some good games over the years, and those guys are good coaches who know what they're doing.

Pullman, Wash., is a fun college town, and I remember Martin Stadium being really loud when I've been there, so it will be another big road challenge for us. We have not played well on the road so far, and we need to do that.

I said from the beginning that we're a team that will improve throughout the season. I hope we look completely different in October than we do right now as far as knowing the game, understanding the scheme and being technically sound. With a young team, you can learn every time you take the field, whether it be at practice or on Saturdays.

I'll talk to you next week as we get ready for our home opener against Hawaii. Make sure to get your tickets now.

Go Rebels!

Bobby Hauck writes a weekly column on the UNLV football team for Rebels Report.