UNLV Football

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005 | 8:02 a.m.

As UNLV's losing streak reached four games with Saturday's 51-3 loss at TCU, many among the Rebels' faithful must be wondering what has become of the running game.

UNLV has averaged an anemic 31.5 yards rushing during the past four contests -- but that includes a 117-yard effort against Utah. In the other three games, the Rebels managed a grand total of only nine yards on the ground. Through 10 games, UNLV is averaging 99.8 yards per game rushing and ranks 107th in the nation in rushing offense.

As far as head coach Mike Sanford is concerned, the reason for UNLV's weak running attack is no mystery.

"It is a combination of (facing) good defenses, getting behind fast and having to throw and getting sacks," Sanford said. "One of the things that happens when you get behind (is) you lose your threat of being unpredictable and you are forced to pass."

After falling behind 34-3 in the first half Saturday, the Rebels' primary ground threats were junior running back Erick Jackson, who gained 14 yards on 13 carries, and wide receiver Renan Saint Preux, who carried twice for 10 yards. That, Sanford said, can't happen this Saturday in the Rebels' season finale against Colorado State at 1 p.m. at Sam Boyd Stadium.

"We have got to be able to run the football on offense," Sanford said. "That's critical to this game."

HELPING HAND

Sanford admitted to being "a little too optimistic" when he predicted last week that there was a strong possibility that quarterback Shane Steichen would be able to play against TCU.

Steichen, who had missed the previous five games after undergoing surgery to repair a broken finger in his left (nonthrowing) hand, did not receive from his doctor the expected clearance to play.

"We were under the perception two weeks ago he was going to be cleared," Sanford said, "(but) hand surgeons are really conservative.

"We were told last week we could use him (against TCU) in an emergency. Now, what is the definition of an emergency? I think playing TCU is an emergency."

ALSO NOTED:

* Colorado State holds an 8-4-1 edge in the all-time series with UNLV, including a 45-10 victory last season in Fort Collins, Colo.

* The Rams (5-5 overall and 4-3 in the Mountain West Conference) can become bowl-eligible with a victory Saturday over the Rebels (2-8, 1-6).

* Colorado State running back Kyle Bell ranks second in the Mountain West with a 107.5 yards-per-game rushing average.

* UNLV will hold its annual awards banquet Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel on Paradise Road. The function will begin at 2 p.m. and tickets are available for $40 each by calling 895-3678.

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9 -- The number of consecutive road losses suffered by UNLV

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Brian Hilderbrand can be reached at 259-4089 or at bh@lasvegassun.com.