2009 College Football Predictions: UNLV Rebels

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

UNLV Rebels

2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Mike Samford, 5th year (11-36)
Off. Coordinator: Todd Berry (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Dennis Therrell (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense, 8 defense, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Omar Clayton)

Offense: The UNLV Rebels won five games last season and while that may not sound like much, it was a building block for coach Mike Samford, who won two games his first two seasons. He also returns junior quarterback Omar Clayton (6-1, 200), who threw for 1,894 yards last season and is a perfect match for the spread offense. They also return senior WR Ryan Wolfe (6-2, 210), who led the team with 88 receptions for 1,040 receiving yards. At running back, they need to replace Frank Summers. They don’t have a standout at this point, which will leave the door open for freshman phenom Bradley Randle. The offensive line returns three starters including junior LT Matt Murphy (6-4, 300).

Defense: The Rebels return eight starters on defense from a unit that allowed 423.2 yards per game (103rd in the nation) and 32.6ppg. They return three of the four starters up front, so that’s a plus. At linebacker, they return senior Jason Beauchamp (6-3, 235), who led the conference in tackles with 127. The secondary is an issue, though Sanford completely overhauled the unit by adding eight new defensive backs including juco transfer Kenny Brown. There is very little experience other than junior CB Quinton Porter, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Up front, they are led by junior DT Malo Taumua (6-1, 270), a stout run-stopper.

Outlook: Sanford is beginning to turn this thing around and a soft schedule doesn’t hurt. They open with Sacramento State at home, then face Oregon State and Hawaii at home. They also face rival Nevada on the road, along with TCU on the road and BYU and Utah, at home. This is a team that appears to be a year or two away from competing for a title. They could sneak in to get a minor bowl based on their soft schedule.

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