NFL
By: Brock Vierra
FUNR. Now that we got that piece of business out of the way, yes indeed it is Reno week. The UNLV Rebels will be making the northern trek to the worst FBS program in the country, with the Fremont Cannon in tow, to defend the most important weapon in all of Nevada. UNLV currently sits at 4-1. They’re the odds-on favorite in this game, they have an explosive offense, a versatile defense, and the desire to check off another goal in 2023. Nevada who sits at 0-5 is in a world of hurt. However it will be the Wolfpack who will give UNLV their biggest test of the season. Nevada is angry, beaten, and playing with nothing to lose. On the verge of missing another bowl game, this game is their biggest of the season. It is their Super Bowl and it should be ours too. Here’s how UNLV can beat UNR.
1. Run the football
I’m not saying anything that Brennan Marion doesn’t already know. UNLV has been stellar on the ground behind the hard play of Senior transfer Donovan Lester and true freshman Jai’Den Thomas. The duo has helped UNLV put up a top-15 rushing offense in the nation with 214 yards averaged per game. Vincent Davis Jr and the rest of the running back room possess major talent but it is Lester and Thomas leading the way. Nevada gives up a near 185 rushing yards per game and in their last contest, Nevada let Fresno State’s running back rush for 123 yards on 12 carries. That’s essentially a first down per rush. With a QB situation in murky waters, lean on the workhorses to pull you to victory.
2. Play within the structure of the defense.
Nevada’s offense is not good. They’re averaging 15.4 points per game. Their run and pass game are both below average and there is nothing to point to that their playmakers on offense are better than UNLV’s on defense. As of writing, Nevada is set to start the struggling Brendon Lewis at QB over A.J. Bianco despite Bianco having better numbers in relief of Lewis in their last game. Lewis also threw 2 interceptions in that contest as well. Lewis can not pass into voids, to the outside, or with a collapsing pocket. What he can do is hit receivers in tight spaces over the middle, run the read option, and is able to make off-schedule plays. If I’m UNLV, I’m collapsing the inside, making sure my ends play contain on read options and when Lewis is set to pass, overload the right side, forcing Lewis to his left. Do not let him get into open space because he can run and if you’re sending rushers, make sure their is both a spy and man coverage on the running back as the back is Lewis’ only safety valve.
The only way Nevada can score consistently is if the defense over pursuits Lewis or fails to maintain gap integrity. This offense is not good enough to make things happen on their own.
3. Don’t be afraid to be conservative.
Field goals, field position and fielding punts should be the motto this week. As mentioned, Nevada’s offense will not be able to consistently march down the field and they won’t be able to put up a lot of points. Take three when you can, pin them deep and do not commit turnovers. Nevada needs a short field to score touchdowns. Nevada may come out aggressive and they may have some success but it will pass. Do not try to go shot for shot with them as it will be the Rebels who end up killed. Grind them into defeat and bring the cannon home where it belongs.
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