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November 16, 2009

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Steichen will start

Steve Guiremand

Friday, Sept. 17, 2004 | 10:20 a.m.

Steve Guiremand

UNLV coach John Robinson on Thursday named sophomore Shane Steichen as his starting quarterback for Saturday night's Mountain West Conference opener against Air Force at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Steichen replaces senior Kurt Nantkes, who left last week's 18-3 loss at Wisconsin early in the first quarter after re-injuring his pubic bone on a hit. Nantkes will be available to play, however, and Robinson said there's a good chance both could play.

"Kurt has looked really good and I feel real good about him," Robinson said. "I just feel like it's a better thing for him to come off the bench this week. I expect him to play."

Steichen, who started two games as a true freshman for the Rebels last season, said he was told the news before practice by quarterbacks coach Brad Otton.

"I'm excited about the situation and going out there and playing in front of the home crowd," Steichen said. "It's going to be exciting."

Nantkes said he was able to run without any pain or stiffness in practice on Thursday.

"I'd say I'm in the upper 90-percent area right now," he said.

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