No. 12 Wisconsin dominates UNLV 41-21

It seemed only a matter of time before the mirage of a three-point difference at halftime became the reality of a Wisconsin runaway.

The 12th-ranked Badgers had dominated everywhere but on the scoreboard, and in the third quarter they took care of business there, too.

But more than the expected beatdown, a 41-21 season-opening loss in UNLV coach Bobby Hauck's debut, the Rebels left Sam Boyd Stadium with serious questions about its football team.

"We, as a team, need to fix some things, obviously," said Hauck, whose team was outgained 475-217 in yards of offense and was outscored 24-0 in the third quarter. "After halftime, we made a couple of plays to get back in it. But they eventually pulled away.

"Frankly, when you have 15 plays in a half, which is what I think we had (in the first half), you don't have any rhythm on offense."

So this is what faces UNLV:

Can the offensive line block anyone?

Is there a quarterback controversy?

Is there a running game to be found?

Will this be another season in which teams run at will on the defense?

Some problems might not be as bad as they seem considering the Rebels were playing the nation's 12th-ranked team, and Wisconsin is a legitimate contender for the Big Ten Conference title.

So, chances are, the Rebels aren't the last team this season the Badgers handle with ease.

But that doesn't mean there aren't serious issues UNLV must address, and the Rebels need to find answers soon with a trip to Utah next Saturday.

The Rebels need to block much better. They were dominated up front -- picking up a first down was a grand achievement -- especially when the outcome still was in doubt. UNLV gained just 12 yards in the first half and had minus-9 yards rushing.

UNLV's blocking difficulties were a little surprising because the offensive line -- with NFL prospects Matt Murphy and John Gianninoto -- is expected to be a strength. But the Badgers' defensive front might be the best UNLV faces.

The Rebels did move the ball better when Omar Clayton replaced Mike Clausen at quarterback midway through the third quarter. Clausen, who won the job in training camp, completed 4 of 10 passes for 23 yards and a touchdown, and often looked frazzled.

"It's always frustrating to not be able to move the ball," Clausen said. "But you can't let one game rattle you. We know what we have as a team, and we have to refocus and come out ready to play next week."

Clayton, who was UNLV's starter before this season, looked sharper in completing 6 of 16 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 59 yards on nine carries. Wisconsin didn't empty the bench, so Clayton did it against the Badgers' starters.

No matter who is the quarterback, the Rebels need a better running game. UNLV ran for just 112 yards, but freshman Tim Cornett provided hope with 36 yards on three fourth-quarter rushes.

For all the questions about UNLV's offense, there are at least that many regarding its defense.

The Rebels' main weakness has been run defense, and they figured to have difficulty even slowing a talented group of Wisconsin running backs.

Wisconsin totaled 278 yards rushing, led by John Clay's 123 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Montee Ball also scored twice, rushing for 79 yards on 16 attempts.

Pass defense wasn't much better. Badgers quarterback Scott Tolzien completed 15 of 20 passes for 197 yards.

UNLV, however, amazingly found itself down only 17-14 at halftime even though the Rebels were badly outplayed.

Cornerback Will Chandler almost single-handedly kept the Rebels in the game, returning an interception 19 yards for a TD in the first quarter and a fumble 82 yards in the second.

The fumble return, which Chandler picked up at the 2-yard line after fellow cornerback Deante Purvis knocked the ball out of Wisconsin wide receiver Nick Toon's hand, set up a 16-yard touchdown pass from Clausen to wide receiver Phillip Payne with 1:08 left in the first half.

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