2008 UNLV Football
Mike Sanford has not been a good hire for the UNLV Rebels. In three seasons as the head coach, Sanford owns a 6-29 record after a 2-10 campaign in ‘07 and a 1-7 mark in MWC play. The Rebels did pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year in a 27-0 win over Utah, but followed that victory by losing eight in a row to end the season. Can the Rebels get out of the bottom of the MWC this year? Find out as the team at Info Plays gives their 2008 UNLV Rebels football predictions below.
Offense:
If walk-on Omar Clayton can beat out Travis Dixon in August, UNLV will have its fifth starting opening-day quarterback in as many years. Not much more explanation is needed to account for the Rebels’ string of last-places finished in the MWC. UNLV seems to produce several receivers and running backs, and occasionally a defensive star, but not an effective starting quarterback. Dixon was better at running in the spread offense than passing in it last year. Clayton replace him as the starter in the eighth game, but lost the job when he broke his hand.
Despite the annual QB woes, UNLV has two star receivers in senior Casey Flair and junior Ryan Wolfe. Flair has his sights set on setting the school’s all-time reception mark. Proven tailback Frank Summers needs no explanation for his nickname as “The Tank”, listed at 5-10, 240 pounds. He recorded his best game in the MWC’s upset of the year when he rolled through a stout Utah defense for 190 yards. Another reason for optimism is the fact that four starters return to the offensive line in what appears to be the best unit of the Sanford era.
Look out for Frank “The Tank” Summers as the Rebels’ tailback this fall!
Defense:
Sanford elevated second-year linebacker coach Dennis Therrell to defensive coordinator to shake up the staff. Former Denver Broncos defensive line coach Andre Patters takes over D-line duties as well. Sanford wants a bigger emphasis on stopping the run, as the Rebels finished 87th nationally last year in giving up 183.6 yards/game on the ground. Defensive tackle Jacob Hales is the leader this year after MWC Defensive Player of the Year Beau Bell departed to the NFL after being selected in the fourth-round by the Cleveland Browns.
The best newcomer is Heivaha Mafi, a 6-1, 255-pound end with a linebacker’s motor. Senior Thor Pili returns opposite Mafi. If Starr Fuimaono can stay healthy, he will lead an otherwise rebuilt linebacker corps that is deep in talent. Promising freshman safety Shane Horton transferred to USC to join his brother, leaving the Rebels thin in the secondary. But there is still ample depth at cornerback, led by sophomore standout Quinton Pointer.
UNLV Predictions at Info Plays: 9th in the Mountain West
Sanford has not exactly got it going in his first three seasons, and it looks to be another tough start this season. Utah will be waiting in the second week and looking for payback, beginning a four-week stretch that includes Arizona State, Iowa State and arch-rival Nevada. Any breakthroughs in that stretch could mean ignite a turnaround.
Mountain West Wins Expected in ‘08: None Expected
Potential Scares/Losses: at Utah, at
Colorado State,
AIR FORCE, at
BYU,
TCU,
NEW MEXICO,
WYOMING, at San Diego State
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