Cougars QB Hall poses major challenge for Bell, Rebels defense

UNLV linebacker Beau Bell watched videotape of Brigham Young’s most recent game, and he saw an opening.

He watched New Mexico pressure BYU sophomore quarterback Max Hall into an interception and a sub-50-percent completion rate.

But that didn’t convince Bell it will be easy to stop Hall when the Rebels (2-4, 1-1 Mountain West Conference) play BYU (3-2, 2-0) at 6:30 p.m. today at Sam Boyd Stadium.

After all, Hall and the Cougars still beat the Lobos. And Hall is averaging 352 yards passing per game, fifth best in the country and 85.4 yards higher than the conference’s next-best passer, San Diego State’s Kevin O’Connell.

"When we’re watching film, he doesn’t look like a (first-year player)," Bell said. "He looks real good out there, but we’ve got to bring the (rookie) mistakes out of him."

It would appear that Hall, who transferred from Arizona State in December 2005, is coming along ahead of schedule.

"I think I’m progressing well," Hall said. "I still have a lot of work to do. Am I where I want to be? No."

BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said he entered the season without expectations for how far along his new quarterback would be.

"I did think he would be competitive," Mendenhall said. "I did think he’d lead this football team and make enough plays in critical situations to help us win."

Already, Hall looks like he’ll be the next great BYU quarterback. UNLV coach Mike Sanford said Hall reminds him of a Cougars throwback.

"This is a true LaVell Edwards, Norm Chow BYU offensive system," Sanford said. "So it’s different than what we’ve faced so far, but they do an excellent job."

Hall said he has embraced taking over one of college football’s more prestigious positions. Steve Young, Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon and, most recently, John Beck are the types of players Hall is following.

"It’s a blessing, really, to follow a great leader and step into a position that’s had a lot of great players," Hall said. "Each day I just try to focus on the little things and don’t worry about living up to the expectations."

Hall could have opportunities to put up some hefty numbers against the Rebels. They have shown a susceptibility to the passing game beyond the 219.8-yard average they have surrendered. Hawaii passed for 396 yards and UNR 330.

That’s the price UNLV pays for playing such a young secondary. Freshman Quinton Pointer starts at cornerback and sophomore Daryl Forte at safety. Freshman Shane Horton has started twice at the other safety spot, and has played considerably even when coming off the bench.

UNLV’s secondary has the potential to develop into one of the Mountain West’s better units, but for now will be tested by quarterbacks such as Hall.

So it’s even more important for Bell and the other front seven defenders to make Hall earn his yards.

"I think you’ve got to do a lot of different things," Sanford said. "I think you’ve got to have pure coverage schemes. You’ve got to have some blitz. And you’ve got to do a great job with pass rush."

• NOTES — Today’s game is almost certain to be UNLV’s third sellout of the season. The Rebels had never sold out more than one game in a year. About 500 tickets remained as of Friday afternoon. … UNLV linebacker Jimmy Miller (knee sprain) is listed as questionable for today. … Guard Mike McKiski (knee), who went to Coronado High School, will play but not start.