Last year was supposed to be UNLV quarterback Jason Thomas’ coming-out party. After turning the ball over four times in the Running Rebels season opener against Wisconsin, things quickly changed for Thomas, who had a hard time establishing consistency for the remainder of the season. Twenty-three year-old junior quarterback Kurt Nantkes, who played in the farm system for the Oakland Athletics, filled in on spot duty last season.
Currently 1-1, the Rebels opened with a 28-18 victory over Toledo in which Nantkes threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns.
Last weekend it was a different story, Natkes was erratic against Kansas, going 17-30 for 178 yards and two interceptions, the second of which was returned 29 yards for a Jayhawk touchdown.
The Rebels have a solid group of receivers, including second team All-Mountain West selection Earvin Johnson. The junior had 51 receptions last season while averaging 15.5 yards per completion. Senior Michael Johnson has been the go-to guy early on this season, with 13 receptions for 134 yards in the Rebels first two games.
Carrying the scoring load against Kansas for the Rebels were running backs Larry Croom and Dominique Dorsey. Croom, a senior, racked up 127 yards on 15 carries including two touchdowns. Dorsey, a junior, added 78 yards on 12 carries.
With a solid backfield and an experienced and mammoth offensive line averaging 305 pounds per spot, the Rebels have enough fire power to be competitive against a Badger defense that gave up 532 yards of total offense against Akron.
“I think [UNLV is] better offensively because the quarterback is more consistent,” Barry Alvarez said. “[Nantkes is] a much better thrower than what we saw a year ago and I think all of you that saw that team a year ago could see the potential and quickness of the running backs.”
Last season’s game in Vegas was called with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter when a power outage cast darkness over Sam Boyd Stadium. With the score 27-7 in Wisconsin’s advantage, the Badgers were declared the winner. Wisconsin benefited from Thomas’ turnovers and some crafty work from Brooks Bollinger.
The Rebel defense improves from last season, highlighted with the return of another second team All-Mountain West selection in middle linebacker Adam Seward. The Vegas native led the conference in tackles last season with 133, including 8 for losses. Ryan Claridge and John Andrews are sizeable forces on the outside.
Upfront the Rebels have two large run stuffers in the middle in Dietrich Canterberry and Joseph Oniwor, both returning starters from last season. Chris Eagen is the third returnee who had 45 tackles along with 4 sacks in 2002.
“Defensively, their linebackers are very athletic,” Alvarez said. “It’s basically the guys up front, and that strong safety is as good as we’ll see.”
Jamaal Brimmer, the Rebel’s strong safety, was awarded the Mountain West Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 after recording 100 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 11 TFLs and 6 pass breakups last season. His big play ability can make up for the lack of experience in the defensive backfield in which Brimmer is the only returning starter.
For Wisconsin, the Rebels are a decent team with real talent and important skill positions. Defensively they are susceptible, and it shows in giving up 46 points to Kansas. Wisconsin’s offense should be able to overcome any defensive deficiencies. But John Robinson is a veteran coach and the offense might have enough to surprise the Badgers who once again will work with a depleted defensive line because of Nick Cochart’s swollen ankle.
“I think it’s a better football team than what we’ve played a year ago,” Alvarez said. “It’s more mature and probably understands John (Robinson’s) system a little better.”
