I'm frustrated like all Rebel fans but not as down on the stock I still see it as a buy. Old news now but still important to know we addressed a lot of issues to build a foundation that can last.
Stadium issues solved
Football facilities solved
Coaching staff background checks show NFL experience/recruiting
Coach MA record sucks no doubt close calls, tough schedule, quarterback health issues. I have not been a fan of the QB carousel. Still learning on the job making the move from OC to head coach. Players like him.
I tape the games then I rewatch them as if I was back in the film room. Over and over. There is potential you'll see freshman, redshirt freshman, and sophomores flashing making plays.
Defense: Jaylen Lane, Johnathon Baldwin, Brennon Scott, Leshaun Bell, Jalen Dixon
Offense: Brumfield, Friel, Kaleo Ballungay, KMJ
Remember Friel did not have a senior year in HS due to covid so our starting qb last live action came his junior year in HS that's insane and a recipe for disaster but with Dougie and Tate going down our only option. Got to play through it he's showing signs of improvement still don't think he's our franchise guy but effort is there.
My main gripe is the Offensive line absolutely putrid. Tiger Shanks the worst of the bunch Julio Garcia for a super senior I thought would be a great leader he's average at best and always taking penalties. Huge disappointment for super senior. Center LG and LT improving but still overwhelmed. UNTIL we get the current guys coached up and the younger guys with nice frames but undersized bodies that still need to mature and put weight on we'll be toiling at the bottom of the league.
On the defensive side we have improved we've forced turnovers our short yardage and goal line defense has been surprising we've stopped a lot of teams going for it on 4th down. I know there are breakdowns in coverage that I like to see cleaned up but let's not kid ourselves defense is a thing of the past all the rules are set up for the offense to score. Turnovers, No big plays, and red zone defense hold teams to field goal are the goals.
Now next year we get the kid from Liberty High School Jayden Maiava is he the franchise? Well by looking at the schools that were recruiting him we stole one. I don't know if Coach MA was recruiting him while at Oregon and begged him to be his guy at UNLV. What I think Coach MA is trying to do is make UNLV in the image of where he had his most success Oregon. He needs his players he recruited to mature and come of age, he needs his QB to make the system work. Oregon at their best was playing fast and loose.
I'm betting he gets there and we start to dominate Reno. Ditto for basketball keep the faith Rebel-netters.
