Rebels, Navy to begin four-year series in 2014

UNLV has reached a four-year deal to begin a home-and-home football series with Navy in 2014. The Rebels would host Navy in 2014 and 2016, and play at Annapolis, Md., the other two seasons.

"It’s an outstanding game for us," UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said. "They have a TV contract with CBS, and I think it’s very prestigious for UNLV — even though we play Air Force — to also play at the Naval Academy."

UNLV has never played Navy in football.

Hamrick also said an agreement could be reached for a new four-year, home-and-home contract with Hawaii. The schools have four years left on their current deal, which has UNLV hosting the Warriors in 2009 and 2011, and playing at Hawaii in 2010 and 2012.

The Rebels also expect to continue their streak of playing seven home games into 2010. They are playing that many this season at Sam Boyd Stadium for the first time in 29 years, and have seven on the schedule next season.

Now the Wisconsin game in 2010 has been switched to Las Vegas, which gives the Rebels seven home games. The 2011 game will be at Wisconsin.

• SORRY FOR THE CHEAP SHOT — Iowa State defensive back Leonard Johnson issued an apology through the school’s athletic department Monday for a late hit on Rebels quarterback Omar Clayton on Saturday night. The foul resulted in Johnson’s ejection during the first quarter of UNLV’s 34-31 overtime victory.

"I take full responsibility for my actions," the prepared statement said in part.

Johnson also was assessed a personal foul for knocking down UNLV wide receiver Casey Flair. Rebels coach Mike Sanford said Johnson punched Flair on another play, but the officials didn’t see it.

• WHAT’S IN A NAME? — Don’t be surprised if you hear Sanford refer to Saturday’s 7 p.m. opponent at Sam Boyd as "Nevada, Reno" rather than the "Team Up North," as he has done in his three previous seasons.

"I believe we’re a new team, new uniforms, new attitude," Sanford said. "We’re a different team, so along with that is a new way to refer to Nevada, Reno."

• TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN WEST — Clayton was named co-Mountain West Conference offensive player of the week after completing 15 of 21 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns. His 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Phillip Payne gave the Rebels their second straight overtime victory.

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