I'm not sure what's going to happen, but UNLV has not played a passing offense like Syracuse (can't believe I am saying that) yet. Houston can't throw, Kansas can't throw, and the Fresno State kid had 3 picks, a blocked punt TD, and was staring 21-0 going into Q2. All his yards came later when they HAD to throw.
If McCord can protect the ball, the OL can protect McCord, and the defense contains H-MK, we can be in business
I think the number one thing you mentioned is McCord not throwing a pick. if that happens, I think we win.
The second thing would be to run the 3-3 Georgia Tech defense. UNLV has an effective option game, and I think we need outside linebackers.
I’m expecting to play the team I saw versus Kansas not Fresno, competent but not world beaters. Fresno did a lot of highly questionable things.
-Fresno gave up a touchdown on a blocked punt where they actually put out an extra (uncovered) gunner, which is what allowed the punt to be blocked for the TD. (7 blocking 8)
-the kickoff return for TD was a result of a kick off to only the 10 yard line (which we will not do) and blatant block in the back that was not called. (The special teams gifts were much like Georgia Tech, where the final score was not indicative of the game).
-on one touchdown on third and three from the 13, Fresno actually had a 10 man box! I’ve never seen that outside of the one yard line. The one receiver for UNLV just ran a slant and no safety backed into that spot and it was like stealing. From what I saw, Fresno’s defense is not good.
Fresno was driving twice when their quarterback threw deep passes to what appeared to be the UNLV corners. When you watch the plays, it looked like they were the intended receivers. (UNLV corners do appear to be legit though)
if you take away the special teams gifts and incompetent defense on just one play, and Fresno quarterback doesn’t throw right to the other team, you’re looking at more of a 38 to 21 type game. UNLV was clearly better than Fresno, but Fresno was not a good team, AND played particularly bad that day. As you said, down 21-0 , the wheels came off . Fresno State played two of the worst FBS teams in New Mexico and New Mexico State, and FCS Sacramento state. Fresno put up more yards through the air against UNLVs defense than they did New Mexico or New Mexico state.
UNLV fans appear to be drinking the Kool-Aid and hopefully their team is too. We need to punch them in the mouth on the first drive.
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