Columnist Dean Juipe: Defeat aside, Horton, team erase doubts

Dean Juipe

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1997 | 9:38 a.m.

HIS CONTRACT runs through 1998 but that's just a piece of paper that guarantees his income. A bad season and Jeff Horton could easily have found himself out of a job by the end of 1997.

His UNLV football team won only one game last year and only two the previous year. Coaches with far better records have been shown the door.

He seemed secure yet it's results that count and the Rebels went into the current season assured of little beyond an easy homecoming win over Illinois State.

Horton said he was hoping for five victories while most observers pencilled the Rebels in for four. As it is, they're 2-3 with 0-4 Texas Christian here Saturday.

But Horton's situation is no longer tenuous. Any and all doubts were erased last Saturday in Los Angeles when UNLV played spectacularly despite eventually suffering a 35-21 loss to Southern California.

The players' performance reflected their brilliant coaching. Horton was poised and in control, and his offensive and defensive coordinators were making terrific and creative decisions.

Charlie Stubbs' play calling fully utilized quarterback Jon Denton's many abilities and exploited the heavily favored Trojans whenever possible. Horton said before the game the Rebels would be aggressive and take reasonable chances, and Stubbs -- and the players -- complied.

Likewise, defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill kept his players alert and prepared, encouraging them as need be and asking for more when the situation warranted.

Competing with a powerful program like USC and not only being competitive but actually threatening to win was a high-water mark for UNLV football. Those who follow the team may never have had a prouder moment.

Horton, his staff and his players deserve the praise and kudos. Aside from surprising the Trojans and maybe stealing a few of their usual recruits, the Rebels played with class and accepted the defeat with a quiet dignity.

Credit Horton for realigning his staff in the off-season, adding some character and deleting a friend or two who didn't work out. It's clear now he knew what he was doing.

Credit Denton, too, for stepping up to every challenge. He's not only the offensive catalyst, he's a natural leader who has earned his teammates' confidence. He may only be a sophomore but they look to him and listen to what he has to say.

He appears to be well on his way toward developing into an NFL quarterback and there are times he demonstrates superstar talents. He's an enjoyable young man who could, someday, be known as UNLV's best-ever player.

He has a presence and he continues to make a positive impact.

The same is true of Horton, who mixes well within the community and has proven to be a capable, lively speaker -- no small item for a program that has faced years of neglect and apathy.

The corner has been turned. The Rebels may still only win four or five times this season yet it's clear they're progressing.

It's equally clear Horton is the right man for the job.