Sturdy defense rules scrimmage
The first-string defense is supposed to stop the second-string offense, and that was precisely what UNLV’s starters did Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.
But they did much more than that in the final scrimmage before the Sept. 5 opener against visiting Sacramento State.
The Rebels’ first-teamers didn’t allow a first down in five series and came up with big plays, with the help of some backups.
Cornerback Quinton Pointer had an interception and sack, cornerback Mike Grant made an interception, end Preston Brooks had a tackle for a loss, and sacks were recorded by ends Jason Beauchamp, Malo Taumua and Heivaha Mafi.
“The best players are going to be on the field,” Brooks said. “Whether it’s the one, twos or threes (on the depth chart), there should be no change in performance.”
Coach Mike Sanford commended the defense but was disappointed in the offense, particularly the backups. No. 2 quarterback Mike Clausen was 4-for-7 for 19 yards, with a 2-yard touchdown on a goal-line drill. The leading rusher among the reserves, tailback Chris Brogdon, gained 3 yards on two carries.
The second unit has struggled all preseason.
“The No. 2 offense has got to improve,” Sanford said.
He also wasn’t thrilled with his starting offense, saying the officials were asked to call a tight game and the unit often didn’t respond well.
“I thought the No. 1 offense was sloppy,” Sanford said. “Too many penalties.”
There also was confusion when quarterback Omar Clayton thought he gained a first down on a completion to wide receiver Ryan Wolfe. Clayton spiked the ball on fourth down.
He later said one official signaled a first down, and in a real game offensive coordinator Todd Berry would have seen the fourth-down marker from the press box, but he was on the sideline.
“It was an easy mistake to make,” said Clayton, who completed 7 of 12 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown with one interception.
After conferring with the officials, Sanford decided to replay third-and-10. Clayton rushed 20 yards for a first down, and two plays later thew an 18-yard TD pass to Wolfe.
“Do we have a chance to be a really good football team? Yes,” Sanford said. “Are we ready to play tonight? No.”
• NOTES — Ramsey Feagai’s experiment at backup defensive tackle is permanent barring injuries on the offensive line. … Wide receiver Rodelin Anthony and offensive lineman Doug Zismann, who each have concussions, are expected back at practice Tuesday or Wednesday. … The Rebels will take two days off before returning to practice Tuesday.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.