UNLV takes on No. 24 Utah for Homecoming
Homecoming at Sam Boyd Stadium
The UNLV football is set to host its second consecutive ranked opponent as Utah comes to town on the heels of a blowout by BYU last week.
The Rebels will have to find a way to tackle better if they have any hopes of breaking a disastrous three-game slide.It was a tumultuous week at practice at the Rebels as their frustrations are becoming evident as the losses continue to mount.
A win could go a long way towards saving the job of head coach Mike Sanford. Another blowout loss could signal the end of the Sanford regime.
Sanford was hired by UNLV after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Utah, so this game takes on added significance for the coach.
Against ranked opponents
UNLV is 5-24 all time against ranked opponents. That mark includes a dreadful 1-13 mark at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV’s only victory over a ranked team was a 1984 upset of No. 20 Cal State Fullerton. Members of that team are being honored during tonight’s Homecoming festivities, so it could be a good omen.This is the third meeting against a ranked team this season, as UNLV has dropped games to both Oregon State and BYU already this season.
Utah leads series
Tonight is the 15th meeting between the two programs. Utah has won 12 of the previous 14, but the Rebels scored a surprising 27-0 victory the last time the teams met in Las Vegas in 2007.
Streak on the line
A touchdown pass by Omar Clayton in tonight’s game would tie him for the league’s record for consecutive games with a scoring pass. Clayton, who did get the start, has thrown for a touchdown in 14 consecutive games.
