Cougs set to host UNLV

PROVO — They were judged the same.

But tonight there will be a separation when BYU hosts UNLV in LaVell Edwards Stadium at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.

The Rebels (1-4) and Cougars (2-3) were picked to tie for fifth place in the Mountain West Conference when the media that cover the league gathered in Las Vegas last July and cast ballots for a preseason poll.

At the present, BYU (1-0) is in second place behind Utah (2-0) in the league standings.

"UNLV is a very good football team," BYU head coach Gary Crowton said. "They have played a difficult schedule, losing to Wisconsin and Tennessee, but they have the talent, and we are not taking them lightly at all. We can't afford to take anyone lightly."

Crowton said BYU cannot challenge for a league championship unless it takes care of business one week at a time. "We can't afford to look ahead of anybody. Our focus is to get better on a daily basis. As we do that, we'll get better."

The Rebels have been the victim of untimely turnovers this season — something that plagued the Cougars last year. Where UNLV ranked seventh nationally a year ago with a plus-12 turnover margin, the Rebels were 110th this past week at minus-8 through four games. Thus, a 1-4 start.

The Rebels have 11 turnovers this season, including four in a loss to Utah State.

On BYU's side, the Cougars are minus-6 in turnovers, having cut their giveaways to one each the last two games, a loss and win at Boise State and CSU. The Cougars have given up nine interceptions while getting three and have recovered five fumbles while losing five for a total of 14 turnovers.

Despite the slow start by UNLV, there are three standout players on the Rebel team, including All-American safety Jamaal Brimmer, who had six interceptions last year, running back Dominick Dorsey, one of the nation's top rushers, and receiver Earvin Johnson, who ranks among the top four career reception leaders in the MWC.

"Dorsey is a very fast but small runner who is hard to see at times and tough to tackle and can hurt you in the open field," Crowton said. "And they've got a great receiver they like to go to often in Johnson. Those two are the featured players, the rest are a supporting cast."

On the season, Dorsey is averaging 112 yards per game and is the leading rusher in the league. Johnson is getting six catches a game, third in the league.