UNLV Rebels

2006 record: 2-10, 1-7 (8th)

Predicted 2007 finish: 9th (DMN staff poll), 9th (MWC preseason poll)

Starters returning: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense)

Starters lost: 8 (4 offense, 4 defense)

Key offensive players: WR Ryan Wolfe, QB Rocky Hinds, WR Casey Flair

Key defensive players: LB Beau Bell, DE Jeremy Geathers, CB Mil'Von James

Top newcomers: QB Travis Dixon, DE Thor Pili (Snow College transfer), RB Frank Summers

What we learned from MWC media days: The Rebels are an optimistic bunch. Nothing like hosting the preseason gathering and being picked to finish last. The prediction, however, failed to put a damper on the team's hopes for 2007. After back-to-back two-win seasons, UNLV is determined to turn things around in head coach Mike Sanford's third year at the helm. The offense should be much improved but needs to incorporate three new starters on the line. The defense couldn't get much worse than last season.

Best-case scenario for 2007: UNLV turns things around. The Rebels can extend their winning streak to a pair of games with a victory at Utah State on Aug. 30. They ended last season with a 42-39 victory over Air Force. The quest for three, however, will be tough because of a challenging schedule. Nonconference foes include Wisconsin, Hawaii and Nevada. The bottom line, though, is conference play.

Worst-case scenario for 2007: Sanford is dismissed after another disappointing campaign. UNLV is just 4-19 overall and 2-14 in MWC play since Sanford left Utah for the bright lights of Vegas. A season-opening loss at USU could doom the entire campaign. Home games with Wisconsin, Hawaii and Utah follow. The Rebels, for a variety of reasons, need to have success early — otherwise the losing tradition will likely continue.

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2007 SCHEDULE

    
            

        	
		
        
                
Date         Opponent
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Aug. 30      at Utah St.
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Sept. 8      Wisconsin
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Sept. 15     Hawaii
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Sept. 22     Utah
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Sept. 29     at Nevada
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Oct. 6       at Air Force
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Oct. 13      BYU
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Oct. 20      Colorado St.
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Oct. 27      at Wyoming
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Nov. 10      San Diego St.
    
            

        	
		
        
                
Nov. 17      at TCU
    
            

        	
		
        
                Nov. 24      at New Mexico