NFL
By: Brock Vierra
The result of Saturday’s matchup wasn’t a surprise to many but UNLV’s ability to score 72 points did stun all those who support Rebels football. It’s been a long time since UNLV displayed such an offensive display, perhaps only fitting that the Rebels did it on the night they honored the historic 1972 team that had an undefeated regular season.
Ricky White III may have only played two quarters but he only needed 15 minutes of work to be the difference maker against Utah Tech. In the first quarter, White had three touchdowns and a punt block. Yeah…read that again. Three touchdowns in 15 minutes. It’s rare to see such a talent be on special teams, especially in a role that isn’t a returner but that’s what White is all about, playing hard football.
When I asked White about his block and having an aggressive special teams coordinator, White was all smiles stating “Man, Coach C does a great job each and every week just emphasizing the small things. Like I said, it’s always the small things that allow us to be a better team and execute more so I took over the things that he taught me last year and you know, I applied it to my game. I feel like, you know, this is not gonna be the last punt I block, so I want to thank Coach C for that.”
Outside of a score by Utah Tech on their opening drive, there really isn’t much to criticize. Hajj-Malik Williams got into the game early for a play where he ran the ball, perhaps opening himself up for packages designed around him. He got into the game in the second half where he ran the ball 10 times for 88 yards. However, it seems like Cam Friel, who also got some playing time late may be a more reliable backup option as a passer as Williams did not attempt a single pass in the game.
Despite having multiple opportunities, Williams simply chose to tuck the ball and run every single time. It’s good that he didn’t force anything but one would think he should be able to complete a pass against an opponent such as Utah Tech. A big concern is Matt Sluka’s ability to play from the pocket. I’m not sure if he can make high level throws, always being rolled out on passing plays, rolling to the side in which he passes. Most of the time that’s to his right and he’s right-handed. If defensive coordinators start bringing heat off the right, I’m not sure Sluka will be able to make throws in that situation.
However, that is a concern for tomorrow. Today, Sluka was on the money. Sure some throws went array but when you put in 161 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, it’s a good day. Sluka also ran 9 times for 70 yards and a score.
The big thing that I would like to see is a higher usage of Jacob De Jesus. Despite having limited opportunities, De Jesus reminded everyone how game changing his speed is. He’s like a Tavon Austin, an Eric Metcalf. I would love to see De Jesus be used as a running back or as a receiving back out of the backfield. In that role, he would be a nightmare matchup against linebackers and would give defensive coordinators fits.
The Rebels dominated on a day that many team’s struggled. They play Kansas next week and a win would put them in an excellent position to be the G5 automatic qualifier for the College Football Playoff. I predicted two weeks ago that UNLV would lose against the Jayhawks, after Saturday’s performance along with Kansas losing to Illinois, I’m predicting the Rebels get revenge for last year.
A little side note, I asked Barry Odom about his thoughts on helmet communication between coaches and players. Watch his thoughts below.
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