Las Vegan Winn keys stellar defensive line at Boise State

Quarterback Kellen Moore and the offense he directs garners the vast majority of the attention, but Boise State also possesses one of the nation's top defensive lines.

At least three of the starters, including tackle and Las Vegas High School graduate Billy Winn, are expected to get drafted.

"According to a couple of NFL scouts that come through here, they are one of the top two defensive lines on the West Coast," UNLV offensive coordinator Rob Phenicie said.

The other top line, Phenicie said, is the one belonging to Southern California.

UNLV (2-5, 1-1 Mountain West Conference) will see Boise State's line up close when the fifth-ranked Broncos (7-0, 2-0) visit Sam Boyd Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sporting News paid perhaps the highest compliment by writing earlier in the season the Broncos have a line that stacks up with those in the Southeastern Conference.

Winn and ends Shea McClellin and Tyrone Crawford have combined to make 17½ tackles for loss, including 9½ sacks, and McClellin even has an interception.

The Broncos' line is a major reason they lead the conference in three of the four major defensive categories and are second to Texas Christian in rush defense.

"This is the most sound defense we've encountered," Phenicie said. "This a very well-coached, sound, solid, physically able defense. They don't have a weakness, in our eyes.

"They're actually really fun to watch on film. They play it the way you're supposed to play it, and they coach the way you're supposed to be coached."

NOTABLE

UNLV finds itself precariously thin at linebacker. C.J. Cox started the first six games at the strongside spot but didn't play in Saturday's 38-35 victory over Colorado State and is doubtful for this weekend with an arm injury. Weakside starter Tani Maka and middle linebacker backup Princeton Jackson are suspended. ... Offensive right tackle Yusef Rodgers (leg) and free safety Mike Clausen (arm), both starters, are questionable. If Rodgers doesn't start, Cameron Jefferson might move over from left guard. And if Clausen can't go, Daniel Harper will move up and take his spot. ... Teams prefer to schedule more winnable opponents (read: Colorado State) for their homecoming games than inviting a powerhouse such as Boise State to be part of the festivities. "It's when the alumni office wants it," UNLV coach Bobby Hauck said.

KEY MATCHUP

UNLV's secondary vs. Boise State's wide receivers. The Rebels' defensive backs have proven to be the strongest part of the defense, but they will have a difficult time defending a deep Boise State receiving unit. Moore's ability to spread the ball around, having completed passes to at least eight receivers in every game, will test UNLV's patience