Black a bright spot in Rebels’ defeat

Steve Guiremand

Monday, Oct. 25, 1999 | 10:39 a.m.

Just call him Randy Black and Blue.

UNLV linebacker Randy Black, a 6-0, 205-pound junior from Clark High School, sat out Sunday night's short workout at Rebel Park after garnering a team-high 11 tackles, including three for losses, in Saturday night's 29-0 loss to BYU at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Black accomplished those glossy defensive stats despite getting knocked out twice during the game. But twice he returned to the field to pick up where his left off in a gritty effort.

"If ever a guy was like Rocky and kept getting up, it was him," UNLV coach John Robinson said. "I was just so impressed with him. I went out there twice and he was sleeping (knocked out). But he just kept getting up."

Black, who suffered a slight concussion in the contest, is expected to return to practice on Tuesday. But he definitely earned a rare night off from Sunday's light workout.

After all, Black probably took more hard hits Saturday night than Mike Tyson and Orlin Norris combined.

"I got elbowed in the throat once and I couldn't breathe," he said recalling his first lengthy spell on the turf. "Then I flat got knocked out the second time. I fell asleep twice that time. I tried to wake up and opened my eyes and then closed them back again. It was rough."

Black has been a key player for a Rebel defense that ranked No. 1 in pass efficiency in the Mountain West Conference entering Saturday night's loss to BYU.

"He's a very good player," Robinson said. "I just become more impressed with him every day."

* THOMAS SPARKLES: Black wasn't the only UNLV defender to have a big game in Saturday night's loss.

Sophomore cornerback Kevin Thomas was simply sensational, making five tackles, intercepting a pass and deflecting five more passes. The Cougars finally stopped throwing to his side of the field in the second half.

"If there is a best category for corners, he's there," Robinson said. "He may be in the best category of corners in the United States. There isn't anybody playing that position any better than he is."

"Kevin played a great game," defensive coordinator Jeff McInerney said. "They came right out and started going after him. Then they said, 'No mas.' "

* INJURY UPDATES: The Rebels, who were held to just 118 yards in total offense and 10 first downs by BYU, should get starting wide receiver Len Ware back for Saturday night's game at New Mexico.

Ware, who underwent minor knee surgery three weeks ago, actually had been cleared to play in the BYU contest and practiced in full gear last Thursday.

"But I still wasn't 100 percent, so the coaches held me out," Ware said.

Meanwhile, running back Jeremi Rudolph, who ranked third in the Mountain West Conference in rushing heading into Saturday's loss with a 85.2 yards per game average, is listed as questionable for this week's game with the Lobos because of a groin strain.

Rudolph was off to a good start against the Cougars, rushing for 13 yards on four carries before suffering the injury on the Rebels' second offensive series of the game.

"I took a pitch, made a move and my legs just split," the 5-10, 180-pound junior from Orlando, Fla., said. "I think there's a chance I might be able to play Saturday."

Rudolph's early loss put a big dent in UNLV's offensive game plan.

"We had a variety of screens and plays for him that we had to just throw out when he got hurt," Robinson said. "But I don't want to use that as an excuse. The credit goes to (BYU). They were just really good."

Other injuries: linebacker Tyler Brickell (bruised hand), safety Quincy Sanders (right shin bruise) and quarterback Jason Vaughan (slight concussion) are all expected to practice on Tuesday and play Saturday.