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Sep. 12, 2009
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CONFIDENT UNDERDOGS: Rebels draw from experience as they face Oregon State tonight

Sanford says Beavers a physical team

By MARK ANDERSON
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
More Info
GAME DAY

OREGON STATE VS. UNLV

WHEN: 8 p.m. today

WHERE: Sam Boyd Stadium

TV/RADIO: CBSC (333), KWWN-AM (1100)

LINE: Oregon State -7; total 54

The book on Oregon State is if you're going to get the Beavers, get them early.

It's a little different for UNLV. If you're a big favorite playing the Rebels, watch out.

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    • Utah came to Las Vegas two Septembers ago as an 8-point favorite and carrying an 11-game winning streak against UNLV -- all by double digits. The Rebels then pounded out a 27-0 victory.

    Last football season, UNLV visited 23-point favorite Arizona State in the third week and came away with a 23-20 victory in overtime.

    And now here comes 7-point favorite Oregon State (1-0), visiting Sam Boyd Stadium at 8 p.m. today.

    But there is a different vibe this time. The opening betting line quickly was bet down by 11/2 points, indicating the professionals believe UNLV (1-0) has a chance.

    And while a Rebels victory would be an upset, it wouldn't be the where-did-that-come-from win like those against Utah and Arizona State.

    "When we played Arizona State last year, we were dreaming big," defensive end Malo Taumua said. "This week, we know we can play with Oregon State. This week, we're believing in a win instead of dreaming."

    Maybe the Rebels still would be dreaming if not for the reality of those types of wins.

    "Any time you have a history, that helps you in the future," coach Mike Sanford said. "But to me, this is a completely different year, a completely different scenario and a completely different team we're playing."

    Sanford said, in particular, there are major differences between playing Oregon State and UNLV's most recent Pacific-10 Conference opponent.

    Arizona State had reasons to take UNLV lightly. The Rebels' program hadn't shown many signs of life, the Sun Devils were home, and Arizona State appeared to be looking ahead to third-ranked Georgia a week later.

    "We had a perfect storm in a lot of ways," Sanford said. "Things came together, and we played really well, and I don't take anything away from that."

    Oregon State, Sanford said, isn't the type of team to look ahead, that the Beavers "play with a chip on their shoulder" and are "probably the most physical team in the Pac-10."

    Even so, this game has the makings of a shootout.

    UNLV still must prove it can stop the run. Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers might be the best running back the Rebels face this season. He was the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year last season as a freshman.

    The fact the Rebels struggled some against Sacramento State's ground attack last Saturday has to be disconcerting.

    But much of the Hornets' yardage came against UNLV's backup defensive line in the second quarter. Now coaches must balance keeping the starters on the field versus making sure they're fresh.

    "I think any time on defense when you can have two complete defensive lines, that's a plus," Sanford said.

    On the other end, the Beavers return three defensive starters, so a veteran UNLV offense led by quarterback Omar Clayton and the Mountain West Conference's best receivers could make plays.

    Maybe UNLV will come up with a defining moment tonight like at Arizona State last season when wide receiver Phillip Payne made his famous one-handed touchdown catch to send the game into overtime.

    "I think this team has played pretty well when we've had our backs up against the wall," wide receiver Ryan Wolfe said. "So I think we need to come out with that same kind of mentality that we can do the things we know we can do in order to be successful."

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

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    Besh Cooper wrote on September 13, 2009 12:25 AM: Great prediction pigskin1.
    What's your next lock?


    8pm wrote on September 12, 2009 02:40 PM: LOL - Be a true rebel fan but please have higher expectations for the other aspects of your life.


    LOL wrote on September 12, 2009 02:05 PM: What a bunch of winers! lol.

    "oh no its an 8 oclock game, oh dear i wont get out if there until 11:00 or god forbid 11:30."

    "What do i do?? The parking lot is made of dirt...waaa, I dont want to get dust on my new skechers waaa."

    I'm a true rebel fan and I will be there to see the Rebels pull off an incredible upset.

    Wimps!


    RealityCheck wrote on September 12, 2009 01:54 PM: The same amount of fans would show up no matter what time the game was 8,000 to 10,000.
    If UNLV played the game at 2 pm in the hottest part of the day.......who do you think it would favor? The cool kats from the northwest or the rebel desert rats!


    Triple Digits wrote on September 12, 2009 12:09 PM: Part of the reason for the late start is due to weather concerns. Its going to be in the 100s today. Who wants to sit in the baking sun for 3 to 3 1/2 hours? At least it will be somewhat cooler later in the evening.


    8pm wrote on September 12, 2009 10:41 AM: Is the parking lot really still dirt? 22,000 and they should not be sold short? Are you serious? It's clearly much worse than I thought. If Sanford can trick 25,000 into the dirt parking lot, will he be eligible for beatification?


    Reality wrote on September 12, 2009 10:26 AM: That game time was appointed to us by CSTV. They own the rights to broadcast the Mountain West home games. UNLV didn't have a choice in the matter.

    I was at last weeks game and the attendance was legitimately and surprisingly 22,000. Don't sell UNLV or the fans short, they will come, even if the majority of the parking lot is a dust hole.


    beaverguy wrote on September 12, 2009 10:16 AM: this will be a great game. both teams are well coached, both teams are hungry, unlv's spread offense will keep things interesting for a fast, hard, athletic oregon state defense. oregon state should dominate the line both ways, but unlv will definately keep it interesting.


    JD wrote on September 12, 2009 10:16 AM: Go Green Wave! Go Utes! GO REBELS!


    JD wrote on September 12, 2009 10:15 AM: Go Green Wave! GO UTES! GO REBELS!


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