UNLV goes on the road for the first time this season. That's bad news for the Rebels. UNLV has lost the last 16 times it has traveled. The Rebels have been absolutely brutal on the road under Bobby Hauck going 0-14 and 1-13 ATS. Only one of UNLV's road losses during the Hauck era was in single digits - and that was a 21-14 loss to New Mexico last year. The Lobos were 1-11 last year. That was their only victory.

 

Worse, the Rebels are in a flat spot after upsetting Air Force at home last Saturday night. It was the first time the Rebels had beaten Air Force in six years Utah State is home for the first time in three weeks.

 

There is more to fading the Rebels in this matchup, though, then just their awful road history.

 

UNLV's offense consists of the physical running of Tim Cornett. That was the key in the Rebels overpowering a small Air Force team that worn down. Utah State, however, presents a much harder matchup for UNLV. The Aggies have a very physical defense. They rank No. 1 in the WAC in rush defense and 21st in the country giving up 103.7 yards per game on the ground. The Rebels also will be playing for the first time in the mountains.

 

If Cornett is stopped the Rebels are in big trouble as that would put tremendous pressure on freshman quarterback Nick Sherry, playing in his first road game. I've covered games at Romney Stadium in Logan, Utah. It is a tough place to play.

 

The Rebels had to deal with Washington State's wide-open passing attack that is going through growing pains under first year head coach Mike Leach. Then last week they had to prepare for Air Force's unique triple option offense. Now the Rebels face a third type of offense as the Aggies are a physical, well-balanced team that averages more than 207 yards rushing per game and close to 220 yards passing.

 

It shouldn't be lost either that Mike Sanford is Utah State's assistant head coach. Sanford was the Rebels head coach before Hauck coaching at UNLV for five seasons.