Why the UNLV-Houston game is important
UNLV Rebels defensive back Torry McTyer, center, and UNLV Rebels linebacker Tau Lotulelei (55) tackle Northern Illinois tail back Keith Harris (20) in the first half of their NCAA Football game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, September 13, 2014(Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal
UNLV Rebels offensive lineman Brett Boyko (69) battles Northern Illinois defensive end Ladell Fleming (8) in the second half of their NCAA Football game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, September 13, 2014. Northern Illinois defeated UNLV 48-34.(Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal)
UNLV Rebels offensive lineman Brett Boyko (69) battles Northern Illinois defensive end Ladell Fleming (8) in the second half of their NCAA Football game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, September 13, 2014. Northern Illinois defeated UNLV 48-34. Also pictured are UNLV Rebels running back Keith Whitely (28) and UNLV Rebels offensive Ron Scoggins (72). (Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal)
Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Da'Ron Brown (4) catches a first down pass as UNLV Rebels defensive back Tajh Hasson (29) defends in the second of their NCAA Football game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, September 13, 2014. Northern Illinois defeated UNLV 48-34.(Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal)
UNLV Rebels quarterback Blake Decker (5) celebrates after UNLV scored on a two point-conversion against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the second of their NCAA Football game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, September 13, 2014. Northern Illinois defeated UNLV 48-34.(Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal)
UNLV Rebels running back Keith Whitely (28) spins around Northern Illinois defensive end Perez Ford (44) to gain extra yardage on a kick return in the first half of their NCAA Football game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, September 13, 2014(Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal)
UNLV Rebels defensive back Tajh Hasson (29), UNLV Rebels linebacker Trent Langham (50), UNLV Rebels linebacker Marc Philippi (36), and UNLV Rebels defensive back Peni Vea (42) react after Northern Illinois scored a touchdown in the first half of their NCAA Football game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, September 13, 2014(Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review Journal)
After struggling for 2½ games, UNLV finally found some momentum in the second half of Saturday’s 48-34 loss to Northern Illinois, nearly rallying from 23 points down to win. The Rebels’ offense clicked in that 30 minutes, and now the key is making sure that production carries over when UNLV plays at Houston at 5 p.m. PDT Saturday. UNLV’s defense also needs to show improvement, and that would mean stopping the Cougars on third downs, which has been a big problem for the Rebels. Both teams are 1-2 and need the victory, and for a UNLV team beginning a three-week stretch on the road, the Rebels’ season is at a tipping point.
Check our GameDay page for all the news leading up to the UNLV-Houston game.
