Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

REBELS FOOTBALL:

A look at Idaho, UNLV’s next opponent

Rebels travel next Saturday, will face Vandals’ high-powered offense

Idaho's Preston Davis

Associated Press

Idaho receiver Preston Davis runs after a reception in the first half of the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl on Dec. 30 in Boise, Idaho. Davis, a Shadow Ridge High graduate, caught the game-winning two-point conversion pass in Idaho’s 43-42 victory over Bowling Green.

SALT LAKE CITY — UNLV’s historically tough start to the season continues next week with a trip to Idaho.

It will mark the third straight game UNLV has played against a team that won a bowl last season. Idaho outlasted Bowling Green 43-42 in a memorable Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl last December.

The Vandals, however, should be a better matchup for the Rebels than UNLV's first two opponents. Idaho is obviously not an established power like Wisconsin or Utah, therefore their roster is not loaded with top talent at every position.

But the players they put on the field are gritty and experienced. The Vandals return 15 starters from last year’s 8-5 team, including 10 on defense. Their top performer is senior safety Shiloh Keo, an all-WAC performer who led the team in tackles and interceptions last year.

Offensively, Idaho will lean on senior quarterback Nathan Enderle and senior tight end Daniel Hardy.

Enderle threw for 311 yards on 24-for-37 passing in Idaho’s 45-0 win against FCS-opponent North Dakota two weeks ago. But he had a rough day Saturday, throwing five interceptions against No. 6 Nebraska in a 38-17 defeat.

The score is not reason for alarm for UNLV fans. The game wasn’t nearly that close. The Cornhuskers were ahead 31-3 at halftime and let up on the Vandals in the second half.

Hardy was the team’s leading receiver for the second week in a row. He has nine catches for 157 yards this season after recording 39 receptions for 691 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Although Idaho will be a definitive favorite in the contest, it is UNLV’s best chance yet to nab coach Bobby Hauck’s first victory.

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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