Rebels’ toughness put to test

Between getting knocked unconscious and temporarily losing his vision, Omar Clayton took a beating at Brigham Young last Saturday.

Now the UNLV quarterback faces a faster and more physical defense playing at an extraordinarily high level. A game against Texas Christian is as much about survival as it is about winning.

That's what UNLV (3-5, 0-4 Mountain West) has to contend with when No. 12 TCU (8-1, 5-0) brings the league's top defense to Sam Boyd Stadium today for a 5 p.m. game. The Rebels will try to snap a four-game losing streak.

"I think any quarterback in the country that plays against this defense is at risk, but we're going to play our game," Rebels coach Mike Sanford said. "My belief is after watching what happened Saturday and how (Clayton) came back, he's the toughest quarterback I've ever known in my coaching career. I wouldn't pick any other quarterback in the country."

But TCU isn't just about defense. The two-touchdown underdog Rebels face a Horned Frogs offense led by dual-threat quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Marcus Jackson, who have combined for 1,694 yards passing and 612 rushing.

Five TCU players, including both quarterbacks, have gained more than 200 yards rushing this season to power a ground game that averages 220.1 per game, 14th nationally.

Not a good matchup for the Rebels, who have allowed more than 200 yards rushing each of the past four games.

UNLV's offense might have to make up the difference. The Rebels have gained 867 yards the past two games, and Clayton has completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,849 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.

He will need to continue that success against a Frogs defense that has held six opponents to seven points, including the past four.

TCU allows 218.9 yards and 10.4 points per game, second nationally only to Southern California's 215.6 and 8.1. The Frogs lead the nation in rushing defense, giving up a 31.2-yard average.

"Generally, you can find some weakness someplace," UNLV offensive coordinator Todd Berry said. "It's really hard to find a weakness with these guys."

Eighth-year TCU coach Gary Patterson has fielded outstanding defenses, but this might be his best.

"We won't know that until we get done," Patterson said. "I mark everything about winning championships. But definitely stat-wise these guys have played about as well as any defense we've ever had."

Patterson's philosophy is to take offensive skill players and move them to defense. TCU's best defender, end Jerry Hughes, is a converted running back. He leads the country in sacks with 12.

Linebackers Jason Phillips and Robert Henson, tackle Cody Moore and end Matt Panfil also are integral parts of a defense that has made 77 tackles for loss, including a nation-leading 35 sacks.

TCU, which recorded seven sacks in a 32-7 victory over BYU on Oct. 16, relies mostly on pressure from its front four. UNLV's offensive line will be seriously tested, and Clayton might face another game of taking hard shots. He left the game against BYU twice but returned both times.

He didn't seem concerned about the possibility of another punishing game.

"No matter how hard I get hit, if it's possible for me to play, I'll play," Clayton said. "So I don't really go into games worrying about what shots I'm going to take. If they happen, they happen."

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