Rebels’ WRs short-handed

Both players can become eligible, but coach Bobby Hauck indicated Sullivan’s situation was more serious. Hauck said he expects Johnson back next week, but Sullivan could be redshirted.

“We’re still waiting for academic clearance,” Hauck said of both players. “I don’t know on that route.”

Sullivan’s absence probably made little difference in UNLV’s 51-17 loss to No. 11 Wisconsin on Thursday, but he had high expectations for this season. He was outstanding during spring and preseason practices, and appeared to be a stretch-the-field receiver.

Sullivan also is a top kick returner, having averaged 27.9 yards last season.

Johnson is a junior college transfer who has showed potential in practice as a return specialist and someone who could make plays as a receiver.

■ LONG TIME COMING — Sophomore running back Bradley Randle was a much-hyped recruit in 2009, but redshirted in 2010 and received only 25 carries last season.

He finally got his first big chance against the Badgers, and Randle rushed for 65 yards on 12 carries. He also caught two passes for 35 yards.

“I stuck around for a reason,” Randle said. “Everybody else stuck around for a reason. The future’s still bright.”

■ MAKING HIS PRESENCE FELT — Another top recruit, junior college transfer Princeton Jackson, came off the bench to make his share of plays, including a tackle on his first play. The linebacker also had UNLV’s only sack, nearly made another and totaled five tackles.

But Hauck wasn’t ready to put Jackson, who still is learning the defense after arriving in August, into the starting lineup.

“There are a lot of things that have to go on for that to happen,” Hauck said. “He did a good job today, and I’m excited he made a few plays.”

■ YOUNG FRONT — Three freshman offensive linemen played the final three quarters. Robert Waterman started at center and Brett Boyko at left tackle. Cameron Jefferson had been at left tackle, but entered as a reserve at right tackle.

“Boyko not only played his first college football game, he played his first game on the offensive line,” Hauck said of the former high school quarterback. “He had never played on the offensive line ever in a game.”

The young line showed potential in helping the Rebels advance to the red zone five times.

■ ODDS AND ENDS — Phillip Payne’s outstanding 6-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter moved him into a tie for third place on UNLV’s career TDs list. His 20 touchdowns are four behind record-holder Henry Bailey. On the scoring play, Payne managed to get his right foot down just inside the end zone on a play originally ruled out of bounds, but reversed on replay. …

Running back Deante Purvis didn’t make the trip because of a leg injury. … The temperature at kickoff was 90 degrees, the hottest ever for a Wisconsin home game. The humidity made it feel more like a game in the Southeast than the Midwest.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.