Case of the Missing Offenses

What Offense?

Both UNLV and Oregon State were thought to have strong offenses, but question marks on the defensive side of the ball.

So far, the defenses have provided some answers. The game is scoreless after the first quarter at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Rebels have out-gained the Beavers 74-56, but Oregon State had the only real scoring chance when Justin Kahut missed a 47-yard field goal attempt. As the quarter comes to an end, Oregon State has a second-and-4 at UNLV’s 38-yard line.

Short Yardage Struggles

UNLV was faced with a third-and-1 at Oregon State’s 39-yard line late in the period, but could not gain a yard in two attempts. Omar Clayton was stuffed on a quarterback sneak on which he tried to run all the way around the right tackle. On the fourth down play, Channing Trotter lost a yard and gave the ball back to the Beavers.

Pointer makes a big play

Following an Omar Clayton interception, Oregon State had a second-and-five at UNLV’s 30-yard line. It looked as if the Beavers were primed to take advantage of the turnover, but cornerback Quinton Pointer came charging into the backfield on a blitz and sacked Sean Canfield for a big loss. Oregon State eventually tried a field goal that hit the left upright and the Beavers failed to score on the short field.

Two-QB formation

UNLV has consistently inserted backup quarterback Mike Clausen into the game to get him reps over the past two seasons, but for one play in the first quarter, both Clausen and starter Omar Clayton were on the field together. Look for the Rebels to use the formation again later in the game for some type of trick play.