UNLV exudes confidence as 2012 season commences

After Monday night's practice, UNLV football coach Bobby Hauck spent time talking to reporters about the merits of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" TV series.

For a man just three nights from opening a critical season in his coaching career, Hauck seemed awfully relaxed.

What appeared to be a successful training camp probably helped Hauck's demeanor as he enters his third season at UNLV, but he has been relaxed and confident since at least the spring.

"I'm fired up about where we're going," Hauck said at Mountain West Conference media days in July. "And our guys are confident. They're not the 'Bad News Bears' out there."

That, however, might be a tough sell to a Rebels fan base that will believe success is on the way only when it sees it.

Many fans want to see measurable signs of progress, even if it means just getting to four victories - which would double each of the past two years.

Hauck has seen signs in other ways that this is a better team. He privately and publicly talks about how these players finally look like they belong on the field with other teams.

It's true, the Rebels are noticeably bigger and more athletic. That is especially obvious on the defensive line, which has struggled for years. UNLV's ends, in particular, had a strong training camp, with sophomore Jordan Sparkman (6 feet 6 inches, 265 pounds) and junior Parker Holloway (6-4, 240) shining.

The most notable position - or at least the one fans care most about - is quarterback, where redshirt freshman Nick Sherry (6-5, 235) beat out returning starter and junior Caleb Herring (6-3, 200).

UNLV has been searching for a strong quarterback probably since Jason Thomas' standout 2000 season, and hopes are high Sherry and his strong arm will finally end that search.

"I'm excited for the opportunity," Sherry said. "It's a great chance to come out and play Minnesota. It's fun to play with these guys."

Sherry and the Rebels have much to overcome, however.

He takes over an offense that last year was third from the bottom nationally in passing, averaging 109.6 yards per game. UNLV also allowed 35 sacks, tied for worst in the Mountain West, probably equally the fault of the line and an offense that couldn't stretch the field.

The Rebels return the entire line, which includes three players who started as freshmen. And they have playmakers, such as sophomore wide receivers Marcus Sullivan (5-9, 195) and Taylor Spencer (6-1, 210), to create a more vertical passing game.

Plus, UNLV has one of the conference's top running games. Junior Tim Cornett (6-0, 210) has added size and strength to his blazing speed. He rushed for 100 yards three times last season, as did sophomore Dionza Bradford (6-0, 230).

But this still is an offense that scored only 17.2 points per game last season, and its defense allowed a 40.4 average.

So even if there is improvement across the board, is it enough to make much of a difference?

That will be seen beginning with today's 8 p.m. season opener against Minnesota at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV has some winnable games, including tonight's, but victories in the middle portion of the schedule are hard to find.

Hauck and his players like what they take into this season, however, and part of it might be who they don't take.

Gone are some of last season's seniors who didn't fully buy into the program.

"We have better recruits," senior offensive tackle Yusef Rodgers (6-2, 265) said. "We have guys who just want to play. It's more competitive at practice. Guys are out there getting fired up. It's just a different atmosphere than what I'm used to. Over the last three years, we've come such a long way, and I think this year, we're ready to kind of unleash and explode.

"I just feel something different about this year."

The Rebels now must back up their words that better days are here.

It's surprising optimism considering UNLV ended six of its past eight seasons with two victories.

Hauck said another two-win season "would make me cry. I just think we're better than that. I'm not sure we were a year ago."

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