Rebels haven’t got time to complain

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UNLV football players could have spent the week moaning about a questionable and costly pass-interference call that went against them last weekend.

They could have sulked about letting slip away what looked like a sure victory over Oregon State, a result that went from being a crucial early-season boost to a quick test of their fortitude.

If they moped about the loss, it was behind closed doors. Their public words and demeanor this week suggested the hurt from Oregon State was in the past, that it was time to get ready for tonight.

UNLV’s 8 p.m. meeting with Hawaii (2-0) at Sam Boyd Stadium should tell the story about where the Rebels (1-1) are psychologically and provide insight on the direction their season takes.

“It’s a big rebound from last week,” UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton said. “This week definitely means a lot to this team.”

The Rebels are used to being in this position. Four of their past six losses came after they led in the final three minutes.

UNLV is a 7-point favorite, but Hawaii’s run-and-shoot offense appears to be humming, racking up 626 yards in last Saturday’s 38-20 win over Washington State. Quarterback Greg Alexander threw for 453 yards and three touchdowns.

The Warriors also blew UNLV off the field in the previous two meetings, winning 42-13 in 2006 and 49-14 in 2007.

The good news for UNLV is Clayton (bruised knee) and defensive end Jason Beauchamp (sprained ankle) will start.

If they and their teammates play well and win, it could create momentum heading into Mountain West Conference play next week at Wyoming.

UNLV plays at UNR the week after, when coach Mike Sanford expects a true read on the season.

Maybe he’s right that only then will genuine perspective be gained on the effect of the Oregon State loss. But it’s also probably true UNLV needs to respond immediately because of how that defeat unfolded.

And respond with a victory.

“One of the things that I believe very strongly is the days are over where we’re ever going to be satisfied with playing well and not winning,” Sanford said. “So, to me, it’s all about winning, and it’s all about making plays to win a close game.”

The Rebels didn’t do that against Oregon State. Leading 21-20 late in the fourth quarter, UNLV had the Beavers pushed back to their 15-yard line and facing third-and-26. Rebels nickel back Terrance Lee then hit quarterback Sean Canfield, forcing an incomplete pass.

Though the throw appeared as if it might be uncatchable, pass interference was called on UNLV cornerback Deante Purvis. It was a tough, borderline call in a tough spot. Oregon State took advantage, driving for the winning field goal with seven seconds left.

“That was a big loss for us,” Clayton said. “Not that any loss is easy, but that definitely wasn’t easy.”

So tonight will show whether the Rebels have a hangover from that game, or whether they are ready to resume their quest for their first bowl berth in nine years.

“We know what we can do, and we just didn’t get it done,” Beauchamp said. “We can’t wait for the game because we know what we’re doing out there, and we’re ready to go ahead and show everybody else.”

• NOTES — A crowd of about 32,000 is expected. Extra Metro and UNLV police officers will be on hand. … Ex-UNR coach Chris Tormey is Hawaii’s secondary/special teams coach. Former Las Vegas Gladiators quarterback Nick Rolovich is the QBs coach.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.