UNLV tries again to crack TCU’s formidable defense

UNLV will face an aggressive, play-making defense when it visits No. 8 Texas Christian on Saturday.

But here's what should really concern the Rebels: After building a big lead in last weekend's 38-7 victory at Brigham Young, TCU backed off in the second half and still stifled the Cougars with just a four-man rush.

"We just didn't want to give up one through the air," Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson said.

Defense has been the staple of Patterson's nine seasons at TCU.

The Frogs this season allow 246.6 yards per game, fifth nationally. Their defense also ranks in the top 10 in scoring (12.7 points), rushing (85.3 yards) and passing (161.3).

TCU defeated UNLV 44-14 last season at Sam Boyd Stadium. In four meetings since the Frogs joined the Mountain West Conference, the Rebels have a total of 37 points.

Speed is the main reason that Patterson's teams are so stingy defensively.

UNLV coach Mike Sanford tried to close the gap by bolstering team speed in the Rebels' most recent recruiting class.

"That's an ongoing process, but we're a little bit faster this year than we were a year ago," Sanford said.

• FAMILIAR PLACE -- For BYU, it's another season, another deflating loss to TCU.

While the situation is much the same this season as it was a year ago, Cougars coach Bronco Mendenhall insisted the mood of this year's team is different.

The Cougars lost 32-7 to TCU last season, and Mendenhall has spoken repeatedly about the lessons learned from a season that failed to live up to high expectations.

"Different team, different year," Mendenhall said. "This team is more fun to be around than maybe any that I've coached in the way they are consistently working, and they enjoy the game. So I think my perspective is still a very positive one, as is theirs.

"Even though the result of the game is similar and it is frustrating, I think the resolve and determination and looking forward to playing another game is probably at a much higher level than it was a year ago."

• LONG VS. LOBOS -- It figures to be a surreal week for San Diego State defensive coordinator Rocky Long as he prepares the Aztecs to face New Mexico, the team he spent 11 seasons coaching before resigning in November.

Not that anyone at San Diego State wants to acknowledge Long's history with the Lobos.

"The one thing about coaches is we don't get to get on the field and play anymore. We're too old for that," Aztecs coach Brady Hoke said. "So it's about the kids on the field and the universities that are involved."

• MAGIC ACT -- Utah escaped with a 23-16 overtime victory against Air Force on Saturday that didn't add up on the statistics sheet.

Air Force had the edge in first downs (20-8) and yards (318-267), forced six Utah fumbles, recovering two, and held the ball for 39 minutes.

How, exactly, did the Utes prevail?

"I felt like this game really came down to our team's ability to show some toughness and determination," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.