ADVERTISEMENT

Foe #2 - UCLA, Sept. 12

DocRebel

DocRebel

Lottery Pick
Aug 9, 2003
3,551
354
233
This thread is designated for all preview information, discussion, and media reports on UNLV's second opponent, the UCLA Bruins. Top 25 big boy football is coming to Sam Boyd Stadium as the Rebels match up against the Bruins for the first time in school history. I'm excited for this game!


 
The kid was money in his first game. His very first collegiate play was a long-bomb pass that hit the receiver right in the bread basket, but was dropped. It should have been a 65-yard TD. UNLV's defense has to find a way to apply pressure on Rosen otherwise he'll torch us.
 
Our defense will be tested for sure but I do think that there is enough to challenge UCLA. Our offense: with Decker, I will take it against UCLA ONLY if he doesnt telegraph his reads. If he telegraphed as much as against NIU in the first half, we are in trouble. I dont think that will be an issue because in the 2nd half, out defense lapses became the problem.
The only way UNLV can beat UCLA Saturday is to keep UNLV's offense on the field for most of the game while keep UCLA's offense cold and off the field. To do that, Blake needs to go into a "not so hurry offense" where he only call a quick snaps the ball when UCLA try to sub in a defensive player (s). Blake also need to be in entirely control in his team's personelle changes. So an hurry up offense without hurring up for our side. I dont know if this makes any sense?
 
In a short and sweet summary, KEEP THE UCLA OFFENSE OFF THE FIELD AND KEEP OUR OFFENSE ON THE FIELD FOR MOST OF THE GAME.
 
You know UCLA allowed less than 3 yards per carry. They showed monster speed off the edge and Virginia'a quarterback took a beating Saturday.
I'm just hoping to see the team stay healthy and maybe do The J Rob vanilla. The Idaho St game is the next winnable game that is a must have.
 
willlevi said:
You know UCLA allowed less than 3 yards per carry. They showed monster speed off the edge and Virginia'a quarterback took a beating Saturday.
I'm just hoping to see the team stay healthy and maybe do The J Rob vanilla. The Idaho St game is the next winnable game that is a must have.
Click to expand...
Fu*k that, Will! Win every gameas much as possible or put our team to win in every sequence....we may not win all of them but at least approach it as such. WTF ?
 
Although UCLA lost one of their best defensive players in the VA game, DT Eddie Vanderdoes, they have final four potential. They are loaded across the board and I would expect them to get their running game in high gear against the Rebels. Easily the toughest matchup on the Rebels schedule this season.
 
Nathan Starks will have a chip on his shoulder when he plays. I think Sanchez was one of the deans that expelled him. Not that Starks wouldn't be playing with a fire to begin with anyway.
 
RebelinWA said:
Nathan Starks will have a chip on his shoulder when he plays. I think Sanchez was one of the deans that expelled him. Not that Starks wouldn't be playing with a fire to begin with anyway.
Click to expand...


He didnt dress last week, here is a blurb from the OC Register:

* Sophomore running back Nate Starks is “good to go” for UNLV. Starks, Perkins’ backup, did not play in the opener versus Virginia for unknown reasons. Mora he would get carries against the Rebels. “I’m anxious to see him run,” he said.
 
willlevi said:
You know UCLA allowed less than 3 yards per carry. They showed monster speed off the edge and Virginia'a quarterback took a beating Saturday.
I'm just hoping to see the team stay healthy and maybe do The J Rob vanilla. The Idaho St game is the next winnable game that is a must have.
Click to expand...
For UNLV to have a shot at pulling an upset they will need at least 2 scores that come off of special teams or defense. Either an interception or a fumble recovery for a TD or a blocked punt or punt/kick return for a score. UCLA's defense will be difficult to move the ball on consistently. They would also need for UCLA's QB to play like a true freshmen.

The idea though that they should go 'vanilla' to help reduce the chance of injury is just ridiculous. The absolute worst thing they could do is be predictable on offense and go three and out over and over. How would putting the defense back on the field with little rest, help reduce injuries or keep them healthy? That is inviting injury not possibly preventing it.

I consider myself a realistic fan. The reality is that we are possibly looking at a score line similar to when we played Arizona.

That said, to suggest that UNLV should essentially lay down the next two weeks to save themselves for the Idaho State game is ludicrous. The apathy towards this program is bad enough in town. Imagine the backlash if people felt like Sanchez or his team was mailing it in week 2 of the season.

There is not a division 1 coach in the nation that would even think about 'going vanilla' for the reasons you stated.
 
I understand how UCLA is considered a very good team, but not sure how Michigan gets into the conversation. The Michigan name is living off the past (the new coach is good, but still has to work with what was left him), and they are far from a top 25 program. Most of the rating have them winning 6-7 games. If UNLV could play as well as they did in the first half against NIU for the entire game, they will be very competitive with Michigan.
 
60 to 20 UCLA...
Money well spent on this game unlike that crappy boxing match on Saturday

This game will be better than Mayweather-Berto.
 
I guessed that it would be about a 10 point spread for the NAU game, and I wasn't all that far off.

I am quessing that this game will end up being 35-18. I think UNLV will be respectable and keep the final spread under 20. Wouldn't even be competely out of the realm that they give UCLA a scare in the first half.
 
I am torn on what UNLV can score in this game. Rebels scoring is going to be predicated upon OL which currently employs two true freshman for the RG and two fundamentally weak RT's. My fear is that the Bruins are going to key on them the whole game and pressure Decker into bad throws or 'happy feet'. Hopefully, knowing UCLA may try this tactic, UNLV can alter game plan to work with this issue (doubtful but they'll need to counter some way).

I'm not as concerned with defense with the exception of endurance. I think UCLA is going to score purely based on Rosen's ability to throw the ball. Our defense will do OK as long as they contain the long ball. If our DB's can't challenge in every pass and Baer isn't calling pass coverage D well, this is going to be a long day.

My 'very preseason' spread was UNLV +30. I knew the NIU spread was way too high and had UNLV at a conservative +14. They far exceeded my expectations by not only competing but having chance to tie it on last drive.

Unfortunately, I'm worried about this game and my initial preseason spread remains at UNLV +30. I honestly think it could go higher as UCLA is going to try and begin its case for playoff and top 4 ranking. You can't play 9 true freshman, play a top ten team and think the spread isn't going to be high.

Now, that being said, there are some variables that could influence the end score of the game (emotion, Sanchez ability to motivate, playing at home in potential sell out, blackout). I think Sanchez will have these kids fired up and while skill and depth generally wins games, emotion can be a big influencer. Maybe not enough to win the game, but keep it competitive. Even if there is no hope of winning game in 3rd and 4th, Sanchez will keep these kids focused and motivated.

So all in all, as a betting man, I wouldn't touch this game with a ten foot pole. If you had to make me chose, I'd go with UCLA -28.5, but I'd never do that to my team. Once again, I could easily see the Rebs covering but there are too many variables to suggest otherwise.

Nonetheless, I will cheering the Rebels on this Saturday night hoping that we can pull off what would be considered one of the best wins (unexpected) in UNLV history.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TomKingsley
Rebel1986 said:
I understand how UCLA is considered a very good team, but not sure how Michigan gets into the conversation. The Michigan name is living off the past (the new coach is good, but still has to work with what was left him), and they are far from a top 25 program. Most of the rating have them winning 6-7 games. If UNLV could play as well as they did in the first half against NIU for the entire game, they will be very competitive with Michigan.
Click to expand...

I think the game with Michigan will look a lot like the Nortern Illinois game. A couple of people are concerned with the pyshe of UNLV if the head to Ann Arbor 0-2, especially if they get blown out by UCLA. What people are forgetting is that Michigan could be heading into the UNLV game 0-2 as well, not to mention they host a solid BYU team the following week. If Michigan enters that game 0-2 there will be a ton of pressure on them vs Unlv considering all the hype with the coaching hire.
 
UCLA has won its last 10 consecutive road games which matches a school record set back in 1997-98. If they beat UNLV on Saturday at Sam Boyd it will be a new record for them for consecutive road wins.

The streak stops at 10! Go Rebels!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Bullmastiff 1
DocRebel said:
UCLA has won its last 10 consecutive road games which matches a school record set back in 1997-98. If they beat UNLV on Saturday at Sam Boyd it will be a new record for them for consecutive road wins.

The streak stops at 10! Go Rebels!
Click to expand...


10 games away from home 2 of those were Bowl Games another was a Neutral site in Arlington vs UT, either way its still an impressive stat. Maybe we should be playing at the Rose Bowl where they lost 3 home games last season.
 
I fundamentally believe that every week, no matter what, my rebels are going to win. I will continue to yell at my tv, my phone, or the coach in vain whenever bad plays are made and whenever good plays make it. As much as I hate that 12th man stuff that Seattle puts out, it does make things more interesting.

The numbers are just numbers. Anyone who has ever taken a theoretical equations/mathmatics class will tell you that you can't prove math. Go Rebels!
 
  • Like
Reactions: bcvegaspt, LasVegasReb and Bullmastiff 1
RebelinWA said:
I fundamentally believe that every week, no matter what, my rebels are going to win. I will continue to yell at my tv, my phone, or the coach in vain whenever bad plays are made and whenever good plays make it. As much as I hate that 12th man stuff that Seattle puts out, it does make things more interesting.

The numbers are just numbers. Anyone who has ever taken a theoretical equations/mathmatics class will tell you that you can't prove math. Go Rebels!
Click to expand...
That's what I used to tell my parents when I failed math.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RebelinWA
Fairly unbiased look at the game.
http://www.scout.com/college/ucla/story/1584665-game-week-unlv-s-offense-vs-ucla-s-defense?s=86

"UNLV has some talent. The receivers are fairly good, and the offensive line is not nearly as bad as many expected. There’s some potential for UNLV to put up some points, though it will require Decker playing fairly mistake-free, which has been a chore for him throughout his career. We think, though, that UCLA will have an easier time generating a pass rush against UNLV’s offensive line than the Bruins had against Virginia. We could easily see Hollins getting a couple of sacks, and McKinley getting his first of the year.

The difference in talent on the two teams is just so substantial that it’s hard to see UNLV winning either side of this matchup. If the Bruins have the kind of defensive talent and coaching that we think they do, this should be a dominant showing."
 
Any news on injuries?

Scroggins - Ankle sprain, potential concussion, anyone have info?

Any others?

Was depth for UCLA game released?
 
Bullmastiff 1 said:
For UNLV to have a shot at pulling an upset they will need at least 2 scores that come off of special teams or defense. Either an interception or a fumble recovery for a TD or a blocked punt or punt/kick return for a score. UCLA's defense will be difficult to move the ball on consistently. They would also need for UCLA's QB to play like a true freshmen.

The idea though that they should go 'vanilla' to help reduce the chance of injury is just ridiculous. The absolute worst thing they could do is be predictable on offense and go three and out over and over. How would putting the defense back on the field with little rest, help reduce injuries or keep them healthy? That is inviting injury not possibly preventing it.

I consider myself a realistic fan. The reality is that we are possibly looking at a score line similar to when we played Arizona.

That said, to suggest that UNLV should essentially lay down the next two weeks to save themselves for the Idaho State game is ludicrous. The apathy towards this program is bad enough in town. Imagine the backlash if people felt like Sanchez or his team was mailing it in week 2 of the season.

There is not a division 1 coach in the nation that would even think about 'going vanilla' for the reasons you stated.
Click to expand...

UCLA will win the game regardless and Michigan likely will do the same as well.
Watching the Bruin defense last week, if Decker drops back to throw 40 balls this week he will be pretty beat up for Michigan. That defense flies and it will be very tough to give him decent protection.
Michigan also did a great job playing behind the line of scrimmage versus Utah. Hard to see the line keeping them off the quarterback either.
I don't expect to see the staff concede the games but, if the injury list is loaded up heading to Idaho St, finding a win the rest of the season becomes much tougher.
The guys on the team will want to compete but, from a program building stand point, neither game adds anything to the bottom line of needing wins.
You really need to focus on bringing a healthy team versus Idaho St. That's a must have as an 0-4 start would be a killer blow if you want a competitive team for the back half of the schedule.
I also wonder if the plan to use Palendech the next two game is more so to protect Decker.
 
We should probably just take a knee every play, and lay down on defense. Can't win and don't want to get hurt.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LasVegasReb
Im rewatching the game and so far through most of the first half. Focusing on offense side of the ball to see what's happening.

Couple things.

A PI no call in the end zone while leading 14-3 (4:25 and 4:33 min of 2nd qtr). Probably because a PI had been called in previous 3rd down and Carey was giving refs an ear full.

Same drive Andrew "Butter Fingers" price dropped and two easy passes, one would have been for a touchdown.

Most of the 1st string OL played the entire 1st half. All in all played well but there were obvious break downs and poor containment. Sanders was constantly pushed back and beat by his man. Sanders wasn't as bad as I remembered but I imagine it's the second half that got him.
 
I get what Will is saying but there's a difference between laying down and playing conservative with team personnel. You can definitely play your 2nd string a lot more to 'help' avoid chance of injury to 1st string.

I think 2nd string would be relied more in this game anyway though. Both Michigan and UCLA are going to have to big, fast and experienced players (more so UCLA). 1st string is going to need key breaks to keep up with these players.

Sanchez and company are not going to lay down for either team. You won't see him 'playing to maintain a healthy team' during UCLA unless the game becomes a rout.

BTW, based on what I've seen, this team is going 4-8. The cannon will be red and Rebs go 4-4 in conference play with wins over UNR, Fresno State, Wyoming. There's a chance for a 5th win but I'll stick without my scarlet colored glasses.
 
willlevi said:
UCLA will win the game regardless and Michigan likely will do the same as well.
Watching the Bruin defense last week, if Decker drops back to throw 40 balls this week he will be pretty beat up for Michigan. That defense flies and it will be very tough to give him decent protection.
Michigan also did a great job playing behind the line of scrimmage versus Utah. Hard to see the line keeping them off the quarterback either.
I don't expect to see the staff concede the games but, if the injury list is loaded up heading to Idaho St, finding a win the rest of the season becomes much tougher.
The guys on the team will want to compete but, from a program building stand point, neither game adds anything to the bottom line of needing wins.
You really need to focus on bringing a healthy team versus Idaho St. That's a must have as an 0-4 start would be a killer blow if you want a competitive team for the back half of the schedule.
I also wonder if the plan to use Palendech the next two game is more so to protect Decker.
Click to expand...
Will -
Really having a hard time understanding how being vanilla in anyway would reduce the chance of injury or keep players fresh.

Being predictable allows a defense to pin their ears back. Nobody thinks Decker dropping back 40 times is ideal, but to suggest that 'going vanilla' and going 3 & out over and over is a sound game plan is ludicrous. You yourself said we won't be able to run against them, and now you suggest they should beat their heads against the wall and stay vanilla. Please explain how putting the defense on the field more will reduce injury. That makes absolutely no sense at all.

You play UCLA like you do any other opponent. You want to deflate a locker room full of kids? Let them think their coaching staff has no faith in them.

I don't know one single division 1 coach that would remotely agree with you.

Im not kidding myself that UNLV has much if any chance to win this game. But to suggest they should essentially lay down for the next two weeks to be fresh for a game against Idaho State is ridiculous. You use your whole play book and hope to keep them a little off balance.
 
I know John Robinson used a similiar game plan his first year with the previously winless team he took over.
From watching UCLA play Virginia and watching our line struggle versus NIU. I just have a hard time seeing the team slowing the pass rush of UCLA.
If Decker comes out of the next two games really banged up or possibly forced to miss time, it will be really tough to be competitive in the games you have a chance to win.
Lack of depth is already a problem, the next two weeks will stress the roster heavily.
 
willlevi said:
I know John Robinson used a similiar game plan his first year with the previously winless team he took over.
From watching UCLA play Virginia and watching our line struggle versus NIU. I just have a hard time seeing the team slowing the pass rush of UCLA.
If Decker comes out of the next two games really banged up or possibly forced to miss time, it will be really tough to be competitive in the games you have a chance to win.
Lack of depth is already a problem, the next two weeks will stress the roster heavily.
Click to expand...
Will-
So the running backs should take the beating instead? And then when we go 3 & out and force the defense back on the field with little rest that will help how.

I understand trying to shorten the game by controlling the clock. That makes complete sense. But the only way to do that is be unpredictable on offense.

Football is a physical game, a guy is just as likely to get hurt on the first sack or tackle he gets hit on, as much as the 10th. Guys blow out knees without getting hit. There is absolutely no way to limit injuries.

I understand hoping the team stays healthy, but altering how you play won't help. If the game got out of hand early I can see pulling guys like Boyd and Decker. Other than that you play to win the game you are in and worry about Michigan on Michigan week and Idaho State on Idaho State week.
 
willlevi said:
UCLA will win the game regardless and Michigan likely will do the same as well.
Watching the Bruin defense last week, if Decker drops back to throw 40 balls this week he will be pretty beat up for Michigan. That defense flies and it will be very tough to give him decent protection.
Michigan also did a great job playing behind the line of scrimmage versus Utah. Hard to see the line keeping them off the quarterback either.
I don't expect to see the staff concede the games but, if the injury list is loaded up heading to Idaho St, finding a win the rest of the season becomes much tougher.
The guys on the team will want to compete but, from a program building stand point, neither game adds anything to the bottom line of needing wins.
You really need to focus on bringing a healthy team versus Idaho St. That's a must have as an 0-4 start would be a killer blow if you want a competitive team for the back half of the schedule.
I also wonder if the plan to use Palendech the next two game is more so to protect Decker.
Click to expand...
Will-
Would you suggest that Hawaii go vanilla this week to avoid injury? Just curious.
 
After reading the comments on some of the ucla news sources, it seems like a lot of bruin fans are critical of Mora. They are split on his decision to keep playing the hurry up offense, and compare him to Pete Carrol calling a hail mary when they were already up and victory was sealed to "humiliate" their opponent. A few of their fans even called us solid, which was nice. To Mora's defense, he could have kicked a field goal, or himself called a hail mary. One last comment was a bruin fan who said that if Mora wasn't the bruins coach, he might think Mora was an A hole himself.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bullmastiff 1
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L

Odom Contract +

Replies
24
Views
3K
Rebel Football
dcut03
dcut03
Loyal Coug1

Pac-2 finally firing Commissioner Kliavkoff

Replies
107
Views
6K
Rebel Football
Loyal Coug1
Loyal Coug1
D

Hello From Iowa State

Replies
4
Views
1K
Rebel Football
DSMHyundaiGuy
D
DocRebel

Foe #1 - N. Illinois, Sept. 5

Replies
15
Views
2K
Rebel Football
Bullmastiff 1
Bullmastiff 1
R

Cannon Game Sucker Punched

Replies
20
Views
1K
Rebel Football
Bullmastiff 1
Bullmastiff 1
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT
Top Bottom
Back