Rebels struggle to keep football

UNLV coach Mike Sanford tried to explain quarterback Omar Clayton's recent rash of interceptions.

The excuses sounded logical. But Sanford didn't need to offer many last year when Clayton threw only four picks.

He has thrown five interceptions this season, including four in the past two games.

But the Rebels' turnover problems go beyond Clayton.

UNLV (2-2) has lost three fumbles, and its defense has only two takeaways. The Rebels' minus-6 turnover margin is 108th in the nation.

At least they play an 0-3 UNR team this week -- at 1 p.m. Saturday at Reno's Mackay Stadium -- that ranks 119th, or second to last, with a minus-9 turnover margin.

Maybe the first team to three turnovers loses.

Taking care of the ball was supposed to be a priority for UNLV this year, with Sanford saying before the season, "We have to improve in that area."

Defensively, the Rebels barely know what an opponent's turnover looks like.

UNLV is one of three teams, along with West Virginia and Florida International, without a fumble recovery this season.

"It's been real frustrating," linebacker Starr Fuimaono said. "We're emphasizing turnovers, extra tackling drills and strip drills so it becomes natural in the game."

Defensive end Malo Taumua and cornerback Mike Grant have the Rebels' two interceptions this season. The problem has been getting close enough to balls in the air to even have a chance at picking them off. UNLV has broken up just 10 passes, compared with 17 by its opponents.

The Rebels' defensive mindset could be an issue. Sanford has said the team's defensive identity is to attack, but against Wyoming, UNLV seemed to be reacting more than attacking. Also, defensive coordinator Dennis Therrell often seems averse to taking risks.

A lack of experience also might be to blame for the shortage of takeaways, after UNLV recruited hard to upgrade the talent and depth on defense coming into this season.

"It's one of those things you keep working on, keep emphasizing," Sanford said of forcing turnovers. "At some point, you expect it'll turn and you'll get some."

On offense, the explanations for the turnovers are simpler, and recent history suggests this is a unit capable of protecting the ball.

UNLV's seven fumbles last season tied Texas Christian for second fewest in the Mountain West Conference. And Clayton's 1.55 interception percentage set a school record.

Of Clayton's two interceptions at Wyoming, Sanford said one was a bad pass and the other was on target but the receiver slipped.

Both passes were intended for Phillip Payne, and Sanford said the receiver's lack of practice last week because of the flu might have thrown off his timing.

But Clayton isn't as sharp as he was last season. He's forcing more passes, and more of them are getting batted down at the line of scrimmage.

Sanford doesn't seem overly concerned, though, a third of the way into the season with the toughest stretch of games ahead.

"I think four games is too early to analyze that," he said.

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