UNLV-BYU game may play large role in Sanford’s fate

Big game for Sanford on tap

It is difficult to find words to describe the performance of the UNLV football team against UNR last week.

It was so bad in fact, that it led to some interesting words from the university’s new president. Neal Smatresk essentially put head coach Mike Sanford on notice that his performance is being evaluated on a week to week basis.

Now, it’s up for Sanford and his players to respond. The task won’t be easy as UNLV will host nationally ranked BYU at Sam Boyd Stadium.

The Cougars come in at 4-1, with the lone loss coming at the hands of Florida State three weeks ago. The game begins a rough stretch for UNLV, which will stay at home to host Utah next week. Whether Sanford survives the stretch could rest on his team’s ability to stay competitive with BYU tonight.

The Rebels will likely have to do it without Starr Fuimaono. The junior linebacker was not dressed during pregame warmups and is not likely to play.

On the offensive side, it is still up in the air whether Omar Clayton or Mike Clausen will start at quarterback. Clausen played last week, but Clayton appeared ready to go throughout the week in practice.

Late-arriving crowd?

A large crowd is expected for tonight’s game as BYU always brings a fair amount of supporters out to Sam Boyd Stadium.

It wasn’t apparent based on the traffic leading into the gates earlier this evening, however. Cars were flowing smoothly onto the property up to an hour before kickoff.

As game time approaches, there are plenty of Cougar fans. They are much louder than the Rebel supporters and that should continue as they will likely have much more to cheer about.

Maybe the UNLV fans are still trickling in after staying home to keep tabs on the opening game of the Florida Tuskers, the early favorite to challenge the UFL supremacy of the Las Vegas Locomotives.

UNLV wins toss

The Rebels won the coin toss and went against popular reasoning and decided to receive to open the game. Most teams defer the option to the second half.

Overheard in the press box after several members of the media expressed surprise at the decision: “Hey, would you want that defense on the field?”