Rebel QB plans kept under wraps

Last week, UNLV coach Bobby Hauck figured he didn't need to keep a secret from Wisconsin that junior Mike Clausen would be his starting quarterback.

This week, Hauck wants to be a little more discreet.

He said no decision had been made whether to go with Clausen or senior Omar Clayton for Saturday's 1 p.m. PDT football game at Utah.

And when a decision is made, Hauck said he might keep it quiet to keep the Utes (1-0) guessing. Both quarterbacks, Hauck said, are expected to play.

Clausen started the Rebels' season-opening 41-21 loss to No. 12 Wisconsin on Saturday, and he completed 4 of 10 passes for 23 yards and a touchdown.

Clayton, UNLV's starter before this season, was 6 of 16 for 82 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for a team-high 59 yards.

"It's not all on the quarterback," Hauck said. "It's a team game, and 11 players need to do their job in order to move the ball, and we didn't do that well enough."

UNLV's problems began up front behind an offensive line that was considered a strength but struggled to block the Badgers. Clausen, who was sacked three times, constantly was on the run. Clayton's scrambling ability kept the Badgers' pass rush more in check.

The Rebels also failed to mount much of a rushing attack, gaining 112 yards. Freshman Tim Cornett led the running backs with 36 yards on three carries.

Senior Channing Trotter and junior C.J. Cox will compete this week for the starting job, though the Rebels will use up to four backs.

"Certainly, when you have those yardage totals on either side, it's unacceptable," Hauck said.

Defensively, UNLV gave up 278 yards rushing to Wisconsin, which totaled 475. John Clay led the Badgers with 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Run defense has been an ongoing problem for the Rebels, who have allowed an average of more than 200 yards rushing per game the past two seasons.

But the Rebels never stopped playing hard against Wisconsin, and Hauck said effort was one of the few positives.

"Our team won't back down from anybody," Hauck said. "Wisconsin's one of the more physical teams in the country, and it was hard hitting through the end of the fourth quarter.

"We need to execute better."

Though he wasn't happy with the loss, Hauck said the game videotape was more encouraging than he expected because he saw correctable errors.

"Wisconsin got after us," Hauck said. "They played a good game. We can't lose our minds because a really top-notch football team got the best of us."

■ NOTES -- Utah sophomore quarterback Jordan Wynn, whose thumb on his throwing hand is sprained, did not throw at practice Monday, according to the Deseret News in Salt Lake City. Wynn is listed as day to day. If he doesn't go against UNLV, senior Terrance Cain will start. ... Rebels freshman cornerback Sidney Hodge will make his first start. He was one of 12 incoming freshmen to play against the Badgers, tied for fourth highest in the nation in the first week. Florida, with 15, was first. ...

Junior B.J. Bell started against Wisconsin but is competing with senior Preston Brooks for the spot this week. ... Utah is expected to be ranked in both polls when they are released today.

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