UNLV secondary looks to build on performance against UCLA
The expectation going into Saturday’s football game was that UCLA’s many talented wide receivers would run free in UNLV’s secondary.
That was hardly the case.
Not that the Rebels’ defensive backs shut down those receivers in a 37-3 loss at Sam Boyd Stadium, but they made the Bruins’ pass catchers work for every reception.
UCLA’s longest completion was a 29-yarder to Jordan Payton, one of only two beyond 20 yards. Freshman quarterback Josh Rosen, who entering the game was getting some Heisman Trophy attention, completed 22 of 42 passes for 223 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.
“One of the biggest things we talked about was not giving up explosive plays,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said.
UNLV allowed just one touchdown pass and came away with three interceptions, its most since picking off three UNR passes in 2011. The Rebels intercepted seven passes all of last season.
Sanchez spoke in preseason about his concerns regarding the secondary, particularly the cornerbacks. Both corners are first-year starters, Blake Richmond is in his first season starting at safety, and Darius Mouton is an incoming freshman starting at nickelback.
Richmond was particularly impressive against the Bruins, breaking up two passes, intercepting one and recording 1½ tackles for loss.
So what does that performance mean going forward?
That will be known when the Rebels (0-2) visit Michigan (1-1) at 9 a.m. PDT Saturday. Michigan and UCLA have similar offenses, so having success against the Bruins couldn’t have hurt.
“If we can go 1-0 70 times, that’s great,” cornerbacks coach J.D. Williams said of the importance of winning each play. “That’s what they’re doing. They’re trying not to let things bother them.”
STEPPING IN — Quarterback Blake Decker showed signs in Wednesday morning’s practice that he could be ready to go against Michigan, but indications remain Kurt Palandech will start.
Decker suffered an injury close to his groin against UCLA, and coaches are waiting as long as they can to determine whether he will play against the Wolverines. They could hold him out for strategic purposes, knowing the schedule eases after this weekend and a healthy Decker will be needed for those games.
Either way, Palandech is the one likely to take the first snap this weekend.
“Mentally this whole year, I’ve been trying to prepare like I’m the starter because you’re always one play away as a backup,” he said. “But this week is more of a physical thing. I’m getting a lot of the first-team (repetitions), and mentally I’m still watching film and staying in my playbook.”
Palandech said he doesn’t spend time on social media, so he wasn’t aware of the negativity about his performance against UCLA. He completed four of 15 passes for 4 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble.
“I’m excited to get out there again and prove what I can do and redeem myself a little bit,” Palandech said.
ODDS AND ENDS — UNLV carries an eight-game losing streak into the game. The Rebels’ last victory occurred Oct. 10, a 30-27 overtime win over Fresno State at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV also has lost eight consecutive road games, last picking up an away win Nov. 21, 2013, at Air Force. The Rebels won 41-21. … UNLV might play in front of its biggest crowd ever at 107,601-seat Michigan Stadium, the largest in college football. The Rebels played in front of 108,625 in 2004 at Tennessee, the most for UNLV. Michigan Stadium, better known as the “Big House,” has drawn as many as 115,109 fans, in 2013 for Notre Dame, also the national regular-season record. The largest crowd last season was 113,085 when Penn State visited. … Playing Michigan is a one-shot deal for UNLV, which will receive a $1 million guarantee. But the Rebels are headed back to that state next season to play Central Michigan and conclude a home-and-home series. UNLV won the previous meeting 31-21 two years ago.
Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65
Check our GameDay page for all the news leading up to the UNLV-Michigan game.
