Five UNLV football players suspended for game

The UNLV football team already was a 41-point underdog against No. 5 Boise State, and the Rebels' odds became even longer Wednesday with the announcement that five players were suspended for Saturday's 7:30 p.m. game at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Sophomore running back Tim Cornett, sophomore linebacker Tani Maka, junior linebacker Princeton Jackson, freshman wide receiver Devante Davis and freshman defensive back Peni Vea will sit out.

Coach Bobby Hauck said in a statement the players were suspended "due to a violation of team rules and code of conduct."

UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood said the violation was not criminal in nature, but he did not provide specifics.

The loss of Cornett is the biggest blow. He has rushed for 367 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and was listed as the starter.

Freshman Dionza Bradford, who leads the team with 371 yards and has one touchdown and a 4.9 average, will start. This could be the opportunity for Bradford, who comes off back-to-back 100-yard games, to seize the position.

"Philosophically, what we've tried to do is when we get into November is ride one back," Hauck said. "So we'll see how it goes."

Maka is a starting outside linebacker, and junior John Lotulelei or redshirt freshman Perry Cooper will take his place. Maka is tied with middle linebacker Nate Carter for the team lead with 42 tackles, and he made the game-saving interception in Saturday's 38-35 victory over Colorado State.

Jackson, the backup to Carter, has 31 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks.

Davis has three catches for 34 yards, and Vea has not played.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.