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August 28 Sheet
Toledo at UNLV (+1)
- 6:00pm Pacific - Friday, August 29
UNLV could not have been in any worse
emotional shape when the visited Toledo last season. They were
coming off a humiliating 47-17 loss at Oregon State and it was
quite evident that highly touted QB Jason Thomas (12-for-26, 2
interceptions, 2 fumbles in game one vs Wisconsin, 7-for-15, 1
interception in game three vs Oreegon State) would again be a big
disappointment in his senior season. Thomas had amazing raw
talent but could not read defenses well and had a very erratic
arm. Despite his struggles, head coach Robinson felt obligated to
keep playing his senior QB. Thomas continued his ineffective and
sloppy play in game four vs Toledo as the Rockets started four of
their first five drives inside UNLV territory en route to a 24-0
half-time lead. Toledo added a two yard TD drive and an
interception return for a touchdown in the second half leading to
a seemingly decisive 38-21 final score even though UNLV ended with
a 472-to-257 total yard edge.
Thanfully for the Rebels, the Jason
Thomas era is over. Taking over will be junior QB Kurt Nantkes
who led UNLV to an upset road win over 13th ranked Colorado State
(16-for-26, 2 touchdowns) in the finale last season making him the
clear cut starter this year and giving UNLV some much needed
positive momentum heading into the off-season. Nantkes, a father
of a four year old son, played profressional baseball for two
years and is older and more mature than most college players. He
is well focused, can read defenses well, and has a strong arm.
Reports indicate he has been sharp in preaseon scrimmages despite
missing some practice time due to a minor foot injury. Nantkes
also led a 95 yard scoring drive in mop up duty vs Toledo in
meeting last season. UNLV now finally has a QB who can stretch
defenses, open up the running game, and get the ball in the hands
of their talented skill position players. Highly recruited
leading WR Earvin Johnson has flourished with Nantkes at QB.
Johnson dominated in the win at CSU with 12 catches for 132 yards
and also topped 100 receiving yards vs Toledo when Nantkes saw
significant action as a backup. With subsequent practice time
together this could develop into a potent pass and catch combo.
The Rebels have a fine stable of running backs ready to break
loose once a pass offense can be established featuring starter
Larry Croom (7.2ypc last year, former Arizona transfer, 222 yards
vs CSU in finale), Dominique Dorsey (speedy scat back, slowed by
injury last year but still averaged 7.3ypc), Deon Burnett (former
freshman standout at Washington State), and highly touted JC
transfer Alvin Marshall (called the Marshall Faulk of JC, 2,054
all-purpose yards a year ago.) UNLV actually led the MWC and was
22nd nationally in total offense at 409 yards per game last season
despite poor QB play, but were only 78th in scoring offense. With
better play from the QB, an abundance of talent at the skill
positions, and three returning starters on a said to be bigger &
stronger offensive lne, this unit should put up plenty of points.
The Rebel defense will be switching to
a 3-4 alignment this year to take advantage of their great depth
at linebacker and improved overall team speed. This unit features
some fine playmakers in MWC defensive player of the year strong
safety Jamaal Brimmer, leading tackler LB Adam Seward, JC
All-American transfer LB John Andrews, and stud LB Ryan Claridge
(brother of NFL's Travis) returns after missing all of last year
with injury. Insiders have raved about the talent at LB and
report that the new starting cornerbacks will be a major upgrade
from last years starting dup that only produced a combined seven
pass break ups and just three interceptions.
Toledo returns just four starters on
offense, their fewest number in over ten years. They must replace
super QB Brian Jones who threw for 3,446 yards and completed an
NCAA best 70.2% of his passes last year. Their top three WR's
have departed including schools all time leader Donta Greene and
NFL pick Carl Ford. They also lost two starters on the offensive
line including 1st team all-MAC center Chris Tuminello. It was
not until five days before kickoff that Rockets head coach named
sophomore Bruce Gradkowski as the starting QB. Reports indicate
that both QB's will see significant action. This has to be a
negative for Toledo as neither QB has been able to set himself
apart and there will be confidence issues with each QB looking
over his shoulder for the other to replace him. The Rocket
defense is somewhat experienced with eight returning starters, but
must somehow replace two standout 1st team all-MAC linebackers in
Tom Ward (180 tackles) & David Gardner (154 tackles) who were by
far their top two leading tacklers a season ago. The Rockets have
some tough shoes to fill on both sides of the ball.
Toldeo went 0-2 SU & ATS in its two
non-conference road games last season. UNLV first year receivers
coach Garrick McGee served the same position at Toledo last season
and surely will provide some helping insight on this opponent.
Head coach Robinson also hired good friend and former ASU head
coach Bruce Snyder as an assistant. There is definitely a sense
of urgency this year in Vegas. Robinson called this preseason
camp the best of his tenure while players called it their most
grueling despite new NCAA rules that limit two a day practices.
Look for the Rebels to avenge last years debacle at Toledo and
open their season on a positive note with a win here.
UNLV 1 UNIT
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