QB Dixon savors second chance to lead Rebels

FORT WORTH, Texas — Benched after starting UNLV’s first seven games, quarterback Travis Dixon kept his head in the game.

The redshirt freshman worked hard in practice and dutifully played limited minutes against Colorado State and Wyoming while waiting for another chance to lead the Rebels’ offense.

That opportunity came last Saturday night against San Diego State when Omar Clayton broke his right hand late in the first quarter. After a shaky second quarter, Dixon passed for three touchdowns and led UNLV to all its points in a 38-30 loss to the Aztecs.

"I was very pleased with how Travis handled himself, and that’s a tremendous credit to him," UNLV coach Mike Sanford said.

Barring injury, Dixon will start the final two weeks, including today’s game at Texas Christian.

Dixon has shown promise at times, such as his 258-yard passing game against Wisconsin and the 274 yards passing he put up at Air Force. But he has been inconsistent, following the performance against the Falcons by looking lost with a 78-yard effort against Brigham Young.

His success against San Diego State seems to have given Dixon a positive outlook, though.

"I know this offense real well, and I have real confidence in running it," Dixon said. "(The last game is) a good momentum-builder going into TCU.

"We’ve got to have four strong quarters of it instead of just a half."

Dixon will try to help UNLV (2-8, 1-5 Mountain West Conference) break a three-year run of two-victory seasons.

The Rebels also can play spoiler against the Horned Frogs.

"For us, it’s very simple," TCU coach Gary Patterson said. "We have to win these final two ballgames to be bowl eligible, and that’s our goal."

The Horned Frogs (5-5, 2-4) need to beat UNLV and San Diego State to reach the postseason. Four Mountain West teams already have clinched winning records, and there are four contracted bowls. Because teams with winning records must be taken over any 6-6 schools, TCU can’t afford to lose.

The Horned Frogs are 171/2-point favorites today, with a defense allowing 315.2 yards per game, which ranks 21st nationally.

The unit has been bolstered by the return of end Tommy Blake, the preseason MWC Defensive Player of the Year who missed five games because of an undisclosed health issue. Blake has four tackles for loss, including two sacks, in limited playing time.

At the other end of TCU’s defensive line, Chase Ortiz has recorded double-digit tackles for loss in three consecutive seasons.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2914.