UNLV spring football game set for tonight

The football team that UNLV coach Mike Sanford puts on the field for the Sept. 5 season opener against Sacramento State probably will look much like the starting offensive and defensive units that play in today's spring game.

Unlike past years when assistants drafted teams, the starters will face the backups in the 6 p.m. game at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Beyond expecting the first team to win easily, Sanford said it will be important to work on communication during the game, especially among the offensive line and secondary.

"Doing a draft, your team is kind of split up in a lot of ways," Sanford said. "And I think there are a lot of (positive) things about having the No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense playing together, pulling for each other, competing against another opponent together."

The game also will feature a competitive overtime period at the end of the first half.

"That's a great thing to be able to do using the stadium environment," Sanford said. "We had two overtimes last year, we were 2-0 in those games, and I want to continue developing familiarity and confidence in those situations."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.