It has been a struggle for the UNLV Rebels since finishing 6-6 in 2003, as they not finished .500 or better since that season. The Rebels are starting to show some signs off life, as they have been pretty close to getting back to bowl eligibility the last two season. Last year the Rebels finished up the year at 6-6 overall and 3-5 in the Mountain West conference. The Rebels enter the 2010 season under a new head coach, as Bobby Hauck was brought in to replace Mike Sanford. The Rebels have 15 starters back for the upcoming season, but it's likely that this team will struggle this season with having to learn new schemes and they have a tougher schedule than they did a year ago. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Rebels will send to the field this season, plus my thoughts on where they finish the year in the MWC.
Offense:
The Rebels will more than likely go with senior quarterback Omar Clayton, as Clayton has a ton of experience under his belt with 23 starts in his time with the Rebels. Last year Clayton completed 60% of his attempts for 2,230 yards with 13 touchdowns, but he did turn the ball over a little too much than you would like to see with 12 interceptions.
The Rebels return two running backs who are capable of getting the job done in senior Channing Trottoer and junior CJ Cox. Last year Trotter led the Rebels with 541 yards and nine touchdowns, while Cox contributed just 173 and one score, but to his credit he was banged up for most of the season. The Rebels also get some help with the ground attack from the quarterback position, as Clayton and backup Mike Clausen combined for 526 yards and 10 touchdowns.
At wide receiver the Rebels will have to replace their top threat from last season in Ryan Wolfe, who led the way with 74 catches for 760 yards, but they do have some talent back this season, as they return two starters in juniors Phillip Payne and Michael Johnson. Payne actually led the Rebels in touchdown receptions with seven last year. Sophomore Mark Barefield is the likely candidate to step in for Wolfe at receiver, while sophomore Jordan Barret is expected to take over at tight end.
The Rebels figure to be strong up front, as they return four starters from the 2009 season. Senior tackles Evan Marchal and Matt Murphy are both solid on the outside, and senior center John Gianninoto is pretty good in the interior. The only change for this unit will come at right guard, where red-shirt freshman Sean Tesoro looks to be the man to step in and start. Overall this unit is one of the top units in the MWC.
Defense:
The Rebels have not been very good on this side of the ball over the years. In 2009 the Rebels gave up nearly 34 points a game, but they have seven starters back this season so there is some hope that they can improve on this side of the ball.
The Rebels return both starters at defensive tackle this season in seniors Ramsey Feagai and Isaako Aaitui. It will be key that they improve this season, as the Rebels were absolutely horrible against the run last season, giving up 221 yards a game. The Rebels will need to find two new starters at defensive end for the 2010 season, and heading into the fall it looks like it will be junior BJ Bell and senior Preston Brooks.
The Rebels also bring backs some experience at the linebacker position this season, as they return senior middle linebacker Ronnie Paulo and senior weak-side linebacker Starr Fuimaono. The change for this unit will come at the strong-side linebacker spot, where junior Chris Jonesis expected to step in after starting eight games over the last two years.
The Rebels have four starters back in the secondary this season, including both starting corners in senior Quinton Pointer and junior Will Chandler. Pointer is the leading tackler back for the Rebels, as he finished the season with 72 tackles and two sacks. Senior Mike Grant returns at strong safety for the Rebels, and it looks as though senior Alex De Giacomo will start at free safety.
MWC Prediction - 7th: While the Rebels figure and should be more competitive this season, it is going to be hard for this team to show big improvements in the win loss column with the schedule they have this season, as they have to play Wisconsin and West Virginia in non-conference play. When it is all said and done I think the Rebels finish the 2010 season at 6-6.
For a complete look at how the MWC will finish up this season, check out our 2010 MWC predictions.
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