Young UNLV ground game making strides

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- UNLV has discovered one major positive in an otherwise dreary football season: a running game that's becoming one of the best in the Mountain West Conference.

Given the youth of the Rebels' running backs and offensive line, it's a ground attack that should continue to improve next season.

Led by freshman rusher Dionza Bradford and a line that has made great strides, the Rebels have run for at least 150 yards for four games in row for the first time since 2002. Bradford has 424 yards during that span.

Considering UNLV (2-7, 1-3 MWC) faces run-happy Air Force (5-5, 1-4) at 3 p.m. PST today, it could be a quick game.

Air Force is favored by 24 points, and it's a game the Falcons must win. For purposes of bowl eligibility, they are allowed to count only one of their two victories over Football Championship Subdivision schools. They must beat UNLV and then Colorado State next week to qualify.

UNLV, which hosts San Diego State next week and visits Texas Christian on Dec. 3, hopes to finish strong after a year that included unexpected losses to Southern Utah and New Mexico.

Sophomore quarterback Caleb Herring didn't play at New Mexico last week because of an undisclosed injury, but is expected to start today.

"It's hard to watch on the sideline," Herring said. "It's definitely one of the toughest things to do as a competitor. I'm definitely anxious to get back out there this week."

If he plays, Herring will have a much-improved running game to possibly open up the passing attack.

Air Force, which averages 310.6 yards rushing per game, again has the conference's best ground game, and it's the fourth best nationally.

UNLV has averaged 211.8 yards rushing in the past four games, which if counted as the season average would rank second in the conference and 20th nationwide. As it is, the Rebels' overall 165.2-yard season average is sixth in the Mountain West and 52nd in the nation.

It's a running game that could grow even more dangerous in the next few seasons, keyed by freshman Bradford (569 yards, 5.1 per carry) and sophomores Tim Cornett (406, 5.3) and Bradley Randle (336, 4.3).

Coach Bobby Hauck began the season rotating three backs but has gravitated to two with Bradford and Cornett. Bradford, who is expected to make his fourth start in five games, has become the featured back.

"I actually don't mind a three-running back rotation, but I have noticed in these past couple of games when I get a lot more carries that I'm a better runner," Bradford said.

Hauck said Bradford began to show in the spring he could make an immediate impact. Bradford enrolled in January after grayshirting last season.

"It takes time when guys are new to learn everything," Hauck said. "It's not as simplistic as it might seem. But he's a talented kid."

Bradford and the other backs run behind a line that starts three freshmen and doesn't include any senior linemen on the roster. It's a line, though, that has continued to improve.

"It helps being so close with the guys on the team," freshman left tackle Brett Boyko said. "Having that bond on the offensive line and being able to communicate and talk with another ... definitely helps."

Bradford couldn't help but notice the line's progress.

"They're definitely clicking," Bradford said. "They're young, but we're all young."

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