UNLV returns eighteen starters and head coach Bobby Hauck enters the 2013 campaign with his most experienced and talented team yet in Las Vegas. The pressure is certainly on Hauck to produce this season as the school’s Athletic Director has stated that he expects at least six wins from the Rebels, and I believe 6-7 wins are a reasonable goal for UNLV in 2013. Let’s not forget that Hauck guided Montana to an 80-17 record in seven seasons before arriving in Nevada four years ago, including making it to three FCS Championships.
Running back Tim Cornett returns for his senior season after leading the team with 1,232 yards on 5.1 yards per rush attempt last year. Cornett is less than 700 yards away from becoming the school’s all-time leading rusher, and he should achieve that distinction behind a veteran offensive line that returns 71 career starts (7 of top 10 performers are back). The entire wide receiving corp. also returns this season as the top three compiled 1,850 yards on 13.4 yards per catch in 2012.
UNLV also takes the field with a vastly improved defense that returns its entire defensive line, including seniors Mark Garrick, Alex Klorman and Parker Holloway. This unit increased its sack total to 20 last year, and we expect even greater improvement this season under defensive coordinator Tim Hauck. The Rebels also possess a veteran secondary that returns three starters, including senior Sidney Hodge. Pro Edge scouts have been extremely impressed with this unit, and we are calling for the secondary to achieve its best ranking in over seven years.
Pro Edge Sports Picks Week Two College Football Best Bet:
UNLV (+10.5) (-110) over Arizona
- Don’t be fooled by last week’s loss to Minnesota as UNLV actually outgained the Gophers 420-321, while also maintaining an advantage in first downs (21-17). Minnesota scored three non-offensive touchdowns, including 89-yard interception return and a 51-yard blocked field goal return.
- Likewise, don’t be fooled by Arizona’s win last week as Northern Arizona actually controlled the ball for forty minutes!
- UNLV is 13-3 ATS at home under head coach Bobby Hauck and has covered three of its last four games against Pac-12 opposition.
- Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez is 14-32-1 ATS over the last three seasons, while double-digit favorites are 2-8 ATS at Sam Boyd Stadium.
- Arizona is 1-10 SU and 2-9 ATS in road openers, while the Rebels are 4-1 ATS at home in their last five games against BCS opponents (outscored 32-26).