Oct 3, 2015; Reno, NV, USA; UNLV Rebels head coach Tony Sanchez Leeds his team onto the field prior to the start of their NCAA football game with the Nevada Wolf Pack at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
LAS VEGAS — First-year UNLV coach Tony Sanchez instituted a “24-hour” rule for his team after victories this season.
Players are allowed to celebrate the win and share their reaction with photos and comments on social media but must then change their focus to the preparation for their next opponent when they report back to practice on Sunday night.
But Sanchez had to bend that rule a little this week when the school held a special ceremony on Monday afternoon in front of the Student Union to paint the Fremont Cannon — the prized trophy that goes to the winning team in the bitter state rivalry game with Nevada — the school color of red. About 1,000 students, fans and administrators turned out despite rainy conditions to celebrate the 23-17 victory over the Wolf Pack.
Despite that, Sanchez was confident the Rebels (2-3, 1-0) would move on quickly to what has turned out to be a key early game in the Mountain West Conference’s wide-open West Division when UNLV hosts San Jose State (2-3, 1-1) on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium.
A win over the Spartans, who have won five in a row over the Rebels, and UNLV can start uttering the ‘B’ word — as in bowl game.
“It was an exciting win last week and now were moving on to our second conference opponent,” Sanchez said. “It’s been a grind emotionally but that’s part of building a program. We’re developing competitive maturity and that’s part of it. Not getting too high and not getting too low and learn about being even keel.
“The guys will be ready to go on Saturday. I have full faith in them.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Blake Decker left the Nevada win just before halftime with a separated left (non-throwing) shoulder. He had his arm in s sling at Monday’s Fremont Cannon painting ceremony and will not start against San Jose State. UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said Decker, who has completed 45-of-83 passes for 652 yards and five touchdowns, will dress for the game but would likely only be used in an emergency situation. Sophomore Kurt Palandech, an explosive runner who had a 12-yard touchdown run at Nevada, will get the start.
–WR Devonte Boyd, a preseason first team all-Mountain West pick and a Freshman All-American last season, is off to a so-so start to his sophomore year. He leads the team with just 16 receptions for 270 yards (16.9 avg.) and three touchdowns. Those numbers are far off the pace Boyd had his freshman year when he had 65 catches for 980 yards.
–S Peni Vea is the anchor of the UNLV defense. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder leads the team with 39 tackles to go along with a quarterback sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups. Vea needs just 13 more tackles to hit the 300-mark for his career.
SERIES HISTORY: San Jose State leads UNLV, 13-5-1, and has won five straight over the Rebels including a 33-10 victory last year in San Jose.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “When we run out (Saturday) against San Jose we need to have 30,000 people in that stadium rocking it. If they do that, that’s the type of recognition we’re looking for — people to get excited and jazzed about the program and where it’s going.” — UNLV coach Tony Sanchez imploring Las Vegas residents to come out and support the team after last Saturday night’s 23-17 win at Nevada in the Battle for the Fremont Cannon.
