The UNLV Rebels are 1-2 entering Saturday's tilt with 1-4 San Jose State. But their offensive performance can't be blamed for their two defeats.
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After scoring 40 in a loss to open the season versus Howard, the Rebels dominated Idaho 44-16. They fell again last week at Ohio State 54-21, but it's difficult to jump all over their case for that.
UNLV can score points and with conference play opening up we're likely to see it week-in and week-out.
They're doing it on the ground, predominantly, but when they do throw it they're going big.
| STAT | RANK |
|---|---|
| PPG | 1 |
| RUSH YPG | 1 |
| RUSH YPC | 1 |
| PASS YPG | 9 |
| PASS YPA | 2 |
| YARDS PER PLAY | 1 |
| TOTAL YPG | 3 |
The Rebels' ground attack is led by junior RB Lexington Thomas, who has 425 yards and seven TD on 50 carries, but junior RB Xzaviar Campbell and QB Armani Rogers have pitched in nearly 300 yards combined and Charles Williams has 93 yards on 12 carries.
UNLV has struggled defensively thus far but it's a young roster and head coach Tony Sanchez is in Year 3. What may be most exciting is Rogers.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Los Angeles product is just a redshirt freshman and the sky may be the limit. He was graded a 4-star recruit by most analysts and was a huge get for Sanchez and the program … and defensive help is on the way in the form of young talent developing and more strong recruiting.
Defensive Players to Watch
Farrell Hester, LB (Fr.)
Jericho Flowers, DB (So.)
Javin White, LB (So.)
Nick Dehdashtian, DL (So.)
Gabe McCoy, LB (So.)
Chris Manoa, DT (2018)
Back to the Offense
A year ago the Rebels ran for just under 2,900 yards and scored 28 of their 44 offensive TDs on the ground. While that ratio may remain, Rogers' early-season performance suggests the passing game has more upside this season.
| YEAR | PLAYER | COM % | TD-INT | YPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Armani Rogers | 59.3 | 2-3 | 9.28 |
| 2016 | Johnny Stanton | 46.7 | 6-6 | 6.32 |
| 2016 | Kurt Palandech | 50.5 | 5-2 | 6.67 |
| 2016 | Dalton Sneed | 44.3 | 5-2 | 7.18 |
| 2016 | OVERALL | 46.9 | 16-10 | 6.65 |
We should be able to see more of the Rebels' growth as the season progresses ans that starts Saturday versus the Spartans.
Before you go…
Watch: Lexington Thomas take it to the house
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