GoldandGreenNews.com - Behind Enemy Lines

November 5, 2009

Tom Lacock
GoldandGreenNews.com Publisher

After dropping five games in-a-row, the Colorado State Rams will travel to Vegas and the team hopes what happens in Vegas is its first conference win of the season. This weekend the Rams will take on a UNLV team which has also had a bumpy road this season. This week we have asked Las Vegas Review-Journal UNLV beat writer Mark Anderson to join us to give us a look at the Rebels in a feature we like to call, "Behind Enemy Lines."

Goldandgreennews.com: By the sounds of things Mike Sanford is on the hot seat once again, which is something he has to be somewhat used to by now. How is the coaching situation affecting the team, if at all? What positive things has Sanford been able to do since coming to UNLV and what are the chances he sticks around through the season?

Anderson:I don't know if a coach ever gets used to being on the hot seat. As for how it's affecting the team, I think the players have handled it pretty well. They're still playing hard, so I don't question their effort. I'm sure there are plenty of discussions behind closed doors among teammates, but what they're thinking is difficult to know. The media has only so much access to them, and it's tough to have an informed opinion after a 4-minute interview. Mike Sanford has done a really good job building up the talent. The program was in shambles when he took over, and there is no question the talent level is much higher now. That's been his biggest accomplishment. I believe he will make it throught the season. I'm not so confident about him making it to next season.

Goldandgreennews.com:Given the fact this weekend's game will be played between two teams that are struggling, are you seeing a bounce in the Rebels' step as they see a team they are capable of beating? Is there more urgency around the team this week? If you could pinpoint the stuggles for UNLV this season, where do you start?

Anderson:The Rebels seem to be more energized when I saw them tonight at the practice field. They know their season is on the line this week. UNLV tends to say all the right things each week about winning, but you've got to wonder if the players truly believed it last week leading up to TCU. I'm sure they believe it now, but I do question their confidence level. It can't be high. Then again, neither can Colorado State's. UNLV main issue has been defense. Doesn't matter if it's run or pass, the Rebels haven't stopped many people. Also, the Rebels had a couple of games early that easily could've gone the other way. They were victimized by a terrible pass-interference call that changed the game against Oregon State, which would've been a really nice victory. The Rebels also lost to a Wyoming team they really should have beaten. If those two games turn into victories, the season has an entirely different look to it and UNLV is looking at an almost-sure bowl bid.

Goldandgreennews.com: Mountain West Conference fans are certainly familiar with Omar Clayton and Ryan Wolfe. How have they improved this year and what other weapons are the Rebels using on offense that fans may not know as much about? With Colorado State bringing in the conference's worst pass defense, do you see a big day on tap for Clayton?

Anderson:Phillip Payne really is turning into a quality all-around receiver, and I think he will be one of the Mountain West's best by the time he's done. UNLV also has some other good receivers in Michael Johnson, Jerriman Robinson and Rodelin Anthony. Its offensive line is playing well, and didn't allow a sack by TCU. Clayton has the potential to put together a big night passing. It will be interesting to see if the Rams take Nevada-Reno's approach and load up the box to force the pass, thus completely taking away the running game. It's risky because UNLV does have a good passing attack, but it also would force Clayton to throw under pressure.

Goldandgreennews.com:The Rebel defense is ranked at the bottom of the conference in total defense as well as rushing defense (212 yards per game). With the Rams having trouble throwing the ball with any consistency lately (under 50 percent completion over the past four weeks) and the run game coming on strong behind Leonard Mason, how important is stopping the run for UNLV this weekend? Tell me about the leaders of the UNLV defense and what the chances are the UNLV defense is able to stand tall against a CSU running game this week?

Anderson:UNLV needs to stop both phases. It's been proven this season that teams can take apart the Rebels either running or passing. Jason Beauchamp, who plays a hybrid end/linebacker, is one of the standouts. Linebacker Starr Fuimaono, who once again is dogged with injuries and is questionable with an ankle injury for this game, probably is the best defensive player. I like the two tackles, Martin Tevaseu and Isaako Aaitui, who are quietly having good seasons and could be future NFL guys.

Goldandgreennews.com: Finally, what are your three keys to the game and a prediction on the final score?

Anderson:Win first downs, which means holding Mason to 3 yards or fewer on those carries. If the Rebels can put the Rams into some long-yardage situations, they probably can handle Grant Stucker. 2) Establish the running game. UNLV's offense is at its worst when it become one-dimensional. As good as Clayton and the receivers are, they have had trouble carrying the full load. 3) Mix in the blitz. The Rebels play a vanilla defense, but they need to take some chances and get Colorado State's offense off the field. Otherwise, Mason might be able to pick up 5 or 6 yards a pop and keep the chains moving.

I see this game going other way. So many of these meetings have been close. I'll give UNLV the benefit of the doubt and call is 27-23 Rebels.

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