THE DREAM LIVES ON

UNLV may still be playing football next month after beating Wyoming 22-14 Thursday at Sam Boyd Stadium. But not only do they need to take care of business, the Rebels will need some help.

First, the 5-6 Rebels must beat hapless San Diego State on Nov. 22 at San Diego. Then, they need Colorado State to lose to either New Mexico this Saturday or Wyoming on Nov. 22. Finally, they need Utah to beat Brigham Young and earn a spot in the Bowl Championship Series.

It may be a lot to ask, but it’s not impossible. If the defense continues to make plays the way it did against the Cowboys, at least UNLV can control its part of the equation.

DEFENSE STEPS UP

As for the defense, the two interceptions of Chris Stutzriem were big, but so was the fourth-and-2 play early in the game when Stutzriem was stopped short of the first down by Chris Jones and Daryl Forte at the UNLV 37. It not only stopped a potential scoring drive, it was a statement play that said UNLV’s defense was capable of being part of the outcome.

KEY MOMENT

The biggest play was the fake punt in the third quarter when UNLV’s Dack Ishii decided to pass, hooking up with Jerriman Robinson for a 19-yard gain on fourth-and-2 at the Wyoming 49. That would lead to a Frank Summers’ TD run early in the fourth quarter, followed by a Rusty Worthen interception which led to a UNLV touchdown when Mike Clausen hooked up with Rodelin Anthony for 21 yards.

PRAISE THE REBELS

All in all, a good effort by the Rebels in a game they obviously had to win.

When you’re struggling as UNLV has, nothing comes easy and Thursday was no exception. But the Rebels found a way to get it done and if they don’t screw up in San Diego next week, maybe, just maybe, there will be December football for Mike Sanford and his team to prepare for.