Go Joe Bruin
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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. UNLV Rebels

By Mike Regalado

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Sep 1, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Rebels defensive back Torry McTyer (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown off an interception against the Jackson State Tigers during the third quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV Rebels won 63-13. The Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UNLV Rebels defensive back Torry McTyer (4) reacts after scoring a touchdown off an interception against the Jackson State Tigers during the third quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV Rebels won 63-13. The Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

UNLV Offense

Last year UNLV made several improvements under first year coach Tony Sanchez. Despite only winning three games, the Rebels made a lot of progress in different facets of their game.

Despite a 4th place finish in the West Division of the Mountain West, the Rebels had the 4th best total offense and were the 4th best passing team in the conference.

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They continued that trend in their first game of the 2016 season. The Rebels played an FCS team, but it was still quite impressive as they put up 503 yards on Jackson State in a 63-13 beating. On top of that they had a pretty balanced attack with 280 yards on the ground and 223 yards through the air.

UNLV distributed the ball evenly with their three backs Charles Williams, Lexington Thomas and Xzaviar Campbell. Williams had a team-high 12 carries for 96 yards, 1 TD and averaged 8.0 yards per carry. Thomas had 68 yards on 11 carries with 2 touchdowns. Campbell added 10 more carries for 52 yards. The passing game also looks competitive for the Rebels in 2016.

UNLV’s quarterback Johnny Stanton, who is a transfer from Nebraska via junior college, had a very impressive first outing with the Rebels. He threw for 217 yards on 10-for-12 passes and was able to connect three times with wide receiver Devonte Boyd for three touchdowns.

Boyd himself only caught 4 passes that added up to 135 yards (an average of 33.8 yards per catch).

So how does that stack up against UCLA?

The Bruins had a few hiccups on defense against the Aggies, but for the most part they should be able to contain UNLV. They will have to put more coverage on Boyd and limit the passing game. If this forces UNLV to run, that would give the Bruins the advantage, though that does not guarantee a win.

"Did You Know: UNLV Head Coach Tony Sanchez was a successful high school coach? He developed Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman High School to a national power house winning the Nevada 4A Championship every season."

Next: UNLV Defense