Rebels must beware of Colorado State QB

There should be no question about the strength of Colorado State quarterback Pete Thomas' right arm.

Not after last season's 43-10 victory over UNLV, in which Thomas completed 10 of 14 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns, including a 73-yard scoring strike to Lou Greenwood.

Thomas might again go deep against the Rebels when they meet at 3 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium, but Colorado State hasn't shown much of a willingness this season to stretch the field.

Thomas has thrown for 1,351 yards, averaging 193 yards per game and 9.6 per completion. Last season, he passed for 2,662 yards, averaging 221.8 per game and 10.5 per completion.

"Defenses are playing more coverage on us," Thomas said. "We haven't used the vertical passing game as much as we wanted to, but we've had plays that we didn't make as an offense."

Thomas was the only incoming freshman quarterback to start every game last season, and coach Steve Fairchild said he has seen progress as a result of that experience -- even if all the numbers don't back that up.

"You could tell in spring football, when we started to re-install our offense, how much farther along he was," Fairchild said. "I think he's really going to have a fine career here."

UNLV (1-5, 0-1 Mountain West Conference) certainly won't underestimate Thomas, who passed the Rams (3-4, 1-1) to a 34-10 halftime lead last season.

This is a big game for both teams, each sorely in need of a victory.

"It would be huge for us," Thomas said. "It's a must-win game."

NOTABLE

Colorado State has been hit hard by injuries, with 10 players losing a combined 38 starts. Both tackles on each side of the ball, as well as standout linebacker Mychal Sisson, have been among the injured. Sisson, who hopes to return from a broken right ankle Nov. 19 against Texas Christian, made 95 tackles last season, including 15 for loss. He also forced seven fumbles, which led the country. ... UNLV's Deante Purvis moved from defensive back to running back in 2010, and now has switched back. He is the backup to starting cornerback Sidney Hodge. ... UNLV will play at Sam Boyd Stadium for the first time in 35 days, tied with the 1991 and 1995 teams for the second-longest stint away from home. The Rebels were in between home dates for 37 days in 1982.

KEY MATCHUP

UNLV's running backs vs. Colorado State's defensive front

The Rams have allowed 224.7 yards rushing per game, second-worst in the Mountain West Conference and No. 116 nationally. It could be a prime opportunity for UNLV's trio of Tim Cornett, Dionza Bradford and Bradley Randle, who have combined to average 130 yards per game and 4.5 per carry.

INJURY REPORT

(Supplied by UNLV)

Player Pos. Injury Status

Aaron Reed H-back Leg Out

Jason Koontz OL Back Out

Taylor Spencer WR Leg Out

Alvin Almicar DL Neck Out

Kenneth Penny DB Leg Out

Sean Tesoro OL Leg Out

Desmond Tautofi DL Arm Doubtful

C.J. Cox LB Arm Doubtful

Corbin Brown DB Leg Doubtful