Rebels offensive line throws block party

Steve Guiremand

Monday, Oct. 2, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

Top performers for UNLV in its 34-13 victory over Air Force:

Redemption is sweet. Just ask UNLV's offensive line.

Much maligned for its shaky showing in a 10-7 loss at BYU a week earlier, the Rebel offensive line -- tackles John Greer and Brandon Bair, guards Tony Terrell and Greg Hulett and center Pete Tramontanas -- played key roles in UNLV's stunningly one-sided 34-13 upset of previously unbeaten Air Force on Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Not only did the Rebels do a much better job of protecting quarterback Jason Thomas from a variety of Falcon blitzes, UNLV also did the unthinkable -- it outrushed Air Force, 224 yards to 219.

Air Force had entered the game averaging 337 yards on the ground, second best in the nation behind only Nebraska.

"We outrushed them?" UNLV coach John Robinson said. "Wow, that's nice. That's sweet. Nobody outrushes Air Force."

But the Rebels, thanks to improved run and pass blocking combined with another stellar overall defensive effort, did just that on Saturday.

"The O-line was great," Thomas said. "They get my game ball."

"We redeemed ourselves big-time," Tramontanas said. "Everybody worked really hard this week. We're starting to come together as a unit."

"I feel we played a lot better than we did a week ago as a whole unit," Greer said. "We picked up almost every blitz they threw at us."

The line was particularly impressive in the second half in the run game, blasting open big holes for backup fullback Steven Costa, who finished with a team-high 78 yards on just eight carries. Tailback Jeremi Rudolph (14 carries, 70 yards, two TDs) and Thomas (15 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD) also had big games running the football.

"This is big-time," Tramontanas said. "I've never had a feeling like this after a win here before. People rushing the field and everything. ... And I never dreamed we'd outrush Air Force."

Greer injured his left knee and ankle when someone rolled up on him from behind during a third-quarter play. He was listed as doubtful for this weekend's battle with Nevada-Reno.

But Greer spent Sunday night's workout rehabbing in a swimming pool and says he'll be ready to go Saturday.

"At the time (of the injury) I didn't know what had hit me," Greer said. "It kind of got both my knee and ankle. They're still both a little sore and swollen, but I should be OK. I should be able to play against (Nevada-Reno)."

A big key is whether Greer can practice on Wednesday. He could do some light jogging as soon as Tuesday.

"Until Wednesday, we really don't know if he can play or not," Robinson said.

Junior Shane Wagers would likely take Greer's spot in the starting lineup if he is unable to go.

Greer's injury was the only serious one suffered in the game although safety Randy Black (thigh and triceps bruises), quarterback Jason Thomas (slight ankle sprain) and wide receiver Troy Mason (ankle) all sat out Sunday night's short workout. But all are expected to return to action at the team's next practice on Tuesday night.

Did he give it to Jason Thomas, who had 316 yards in total offense and continually frustrated Air Force's defense with his Houdini-like scrambles?

Did he give it to cornerback Kevin Thomas, who intercepted a pass, deflected three passes and limited Falcon wide receiver Ryan Fleming to just three receptions for 47 yards and no touchdowns?

Did he give it to UNLV's offensive line for making a drastic improvement just one week after the BYU debacle?

Did he give it to the entire defense for blanking the Falcons in the second half?

Or did he just keep it for his own mantle? After all, it was just two years ago that UNLV was an 0-11 football team going nowhere fast until Robinson came aboard.

Robinson shunned giving it to a player or coach and instead awarded it to popular Paul "Pooch" Pucciarelli, now in his 14th year as head equipment man for the Rebels.

"I'm getting softer in my old age," Pucciarelli said. "This really brought tears to my eyes. It just felt so great. This had to be one of the best wins I've been involved with here which made it even more special."

Said Robinson: "Pooch is a guy who works hard all the time and remains optimistic. He's kind of a friend and mentor to players. He puts in some long hours and has fought through a lot of the down times here. I just wanted to give him some recognition for his hard work."