College Football Preview: UNLV

UNLV Rebels

2015 Results: 3-9 (2-6, 5th in West)

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 6 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st JACKSON STATE

10th at UCLA

17th at Central Michigan

24th IDAHO

October

1st FRESNO STATE

8th at San Diego State

15th at Hawaii

22nd COLORADO STATE

29th at San Jose State

November

12th WYOMING

18th at Boise State

26th NEVADA

Tony Sanchez brought a lot of excitement when he took over as head coach of UNLV prior to last season. After going 3-9 with the roster he inherited, the Rebels are on the upswing. Defense hurt UNLV last year, as they were ranked near the bottom in most categories.The upcoming year will have its share of bumps and bruises, but the Rebels are on their way back.

Johnny Stanton will be calling the signals for the Rebels. After beginning his college career at Nebraska, he ended up going the junior college route before coming to UNLV. An All-American last season, Stanton will have plenty of talent around him to get the ball rolling. UNLV does have the best receiving corp in the conference. Devonte Boyd and Kendal Keys both return for their junior seasons. The two combined for 97 catches, 1,419 yards, and 13 TDs. UNLV also has the luxury of returning their top four rushers from a year ago. Speedster Lexington Thomas ran for 506 yards as a true freshman a year ago. He will be running this year behind a bigger offensive line that will be anchored by senior Will Kreitler.

The defense is't much to take home aside from junior defensive end Mike Hughes. The Rebels gave up 457.3 yards per game last season, but they actually might be improved this coming year. Linebackers Ryan McAleeman and Tau Lotulelei both return to a group that also added a lot of players who came in via transfer. Last year's pass rush was one of the worst in the nation. They should improve this year as they have bulked up their front end. 

Player to Watch: Mike Hughes

The junior returns to the Rebels and they really need him. Hughes is a preseason All-Mountain West players, and he will be a big part of holding down the front seven, and the key to the Rebels' success on defense this year.

If you only watch them once, watch:

11/26 Nevada

The battle for the state of Nevada takes place as the last game of the regular season for each of these teams. Last year, UNLV shocked the Wolf Pack in Reno. This year's contest takes place in Las Vegas. 

What to Expect

This year's team will be improved. The defense might not be able to hold down most teams, so the offense needs to be ready for shootouts. Next year should be a better year for the Rebels, but they're on their way.

Prediction

4-8 (2-6, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1thUNLV