UNLV to play football game at Michigan in 2015; six players lost for 2012 season
The UNLV football team agreed to a million-dollar payday in 2015 to play Michigan at the fabled Big House, but the Rebels also lost six players for next season.
Wide receiver Marquis Thompson, defensive tackle Nate Holloway, cornerback Ken Spigner and offensive guard Allen Carroll are ineligible and not in school. UNLV coach Bobby Hauck cannot comment on specifics because of federal privacy laws.
Also, wide receiver Kurt Davis and offensive lineman Nick White have decided to transfer.
The losses of Thompson and Holloway are the most damaging. Thompson, a freshman, stood out in spring practices and was expected to be an important part of the team. Holloway, who went to Spring Valley High School, was listed even with Tyler Gaston for a starting tackle spot.
As for the game at Michigan, UNLV will receive a $1 million guarantee, surpassing the $750,000 the Rebels received for going to West Virginia in 2010.
The agreement also goes against Hauck's philosophy of scheduling down, but UNLV's athletic department could use the financial infusion. Similar games could be scheduled down the road.
"Everybody needs games, and we're looking at all options," deputy athletic director Jerry Koloskie said.
The loss of the Navy series, which was scheduled for between 2014 and 2017, forced the Rebels to scramble.
Also, Utah State's admission into the Mountain West Conference in 2013 removes the Aggies as a nonleague opponent, leaving a hole in the schedule.
Koloskie knows the national landscape can still change quickly and alter any current scheduling plans.
"God forbid in two months if we add or drop more schools in our conference," Koloskie said.
Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.
