CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's UNLV preview

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UNLV Rebels

Inching toward the .500 mark

College Football: The New Century

'99: 3-8, 1-6 Mountain West

Coach

John Robinson (second season, 3-8; 107-43-4 overall)

Key offensive players

Jason Thomas, QB, So.
Transfer from USC could prove to be the league's best quarterback.

Kevin Brown, RB, Jr.
Rushed for 1,046 yards in '98 before transferring from Washington State.

Nate Turner, WR, Sr.
Top receiver caught 45 passes last year, and led team with six touchdowns.

Ray Cheetnay, K/P, Sr.
One of the nation's best punters now will handle placekicking duties, too.

Key defensive players

James Sunia, LB, Sr.
Leading tackler last season was among few bright spots on a weak defense.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Randall Cunningham, QB, 1982-84
"Threw for 8,020 yards and 59 touchdowns. Two-time All-Big West quarterback. Three-time All-Big West punter."

Brightest Moment: Upsetting No. 8 BYU 45-41 in 1981 on a last-minute touchdown pass amid the final season of coach Tony Knap's career at UNLV. The victory -- on the road at Cougar Stadium -- still stands as the only one for the Rebels against a ranked team, as well as the only one against the Cougars.

Lowest Moment: Woefully becoming the victims of Houston's infamous run-and-shoot offense in 1989. With quarterback Andre Ware passing for nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns, the Cougars so embarrassed UNLV in a 69-0 victory that a local newspaper columnist suggested the Rebels drop football.

Kevin Thomas, CB, Jr.
Perhaps the best cover man in the league; had five interceptions last year.

Key newcomer

Jason Thomas, QB, So.
Most important of three transfers, including Brown (WSU) and fellow running back Jabari Johnson (Washington).

Throwback player

Fullback James Wofford certainly does not shy away from contact.

21st century player

Junior wide receiver Duane James is improving on offense, and already is a top threat as a kick and punt returner.

Fast fact

The Rebels ranked last in the nation in rush defense last year (234 ypg) and are riding a 12-game losing streak at home.

Outlook

Clearly, it's getting better, with the clout (and transfers) that Robinson has brought to the desert. Jason Thomas should give the Rebels the passing attack they lacked last season, and Brown seems to have made people forget about Jeremi Rudolph, who returns after leading the team with 693 rushing yards last year. The big question, though, will be on defense. The Rebels allowed nearly 30 points per game last year and couldn't slow anybody. A few more stops under new defensive coordinator Mike Bradeson -- promoted from secondary coach -- and the Rebs might find themselves acquainted with the .500 mark.

--Michael C. Lewis