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Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012 | 2:05 a.m.
Related content
- Redshirt freshman Nick Sherry named UNLV starting quarterback
- Led by Boyko and Waterman, UNLV’s offensive line returns all five starters
- James Boyd learning on the job as he tries to fit into UNLV’s defensive line rotation
- Quarterback Nick Sherry’s stellar play to end the day stands out
- UNLV’s Sidney Hodge has many reasons to celebrate before the regular season
- Rebels young and old shift focus to camp in Ely ahead of 2012 home opener
- All UNLV Football Coverage
You have to like the confidence of the UNLV football team. I sure do.
Despite being picked by several to finish near the bottom of the Mountain West Conference, and despite winning just two games in each of the last two seasons, and despite not having a winning record since 2000, the Rebels’ players don’t seem to be fazed.
They truly believe this season will be different. Defining what different means when applying it to UNLV football is the tricky part. Is different three wins? Four? A bowl berth?
Whether it’s youth, high school, college or professional football, talk with any player or coach at this time of the year and they have a certain level of optimism for the upcoming season. My favorite saying, which I’m still waiting for a UNLV player to say, is how they plan to smack the other team in the mouth. Love that.
The optimism at Broadbent Park, where the Rebels on Wednesday will finish their 11-day training camp in Ely, seems more genuine than past seasons. It’s as if the players actually believe this year will be different.
Maybe it’s because, next week, UNLV has a legitimate chance to start the season with a victory when they host Minnesota. Sure, UNLV is about an 8-point betting underdog, but at least the players can finish up camp Wednesday knowing they have something for which to play.
Last year, after all, they opened at nationally ranked Wisconsin, which turned out to be the lopsided defeat everyone expected. Even when UNLV was in camp last year in Ely, they were essentially preparing to lose by five touchdowns to Wisconsin. It's tough to prepare for a season knowing the outcome likely won't be in your favor.
They proceeded to under-achieve by winning just two games and, more importantly, suffering two ugly defeats against the inferior teams of Southern Utah and New Mexico.
For some, it seems far-fetched that the team with so many ugly performances and rough defeats from last year can transform into a winner. Talk with the players, however, and they will tell you this is a different team. First, everyone has bought in — they care about each other and winning.
It’s refreshing to hear. Maybe I’m naive, but I’m sold on what the players have told me. Here’s a few quotes I found interesting. I'd love to get your feedback:
• Newly named starting quarterback Nick Sherry: “I feel like this team has gotten a lot better. Even coach Hauck says this team looks better than when he came two years ago.”
• Junior defensive lineman Parker Holloway, a mid-year transfer from Trinity Valley CC in Texas: “It is a totally different team from what I hear from last year — a totally different team with a totally different attitude. There are people on the team who want to play. I can’t wait to get out there with the team and shock the world. Nobody believes in us except us.”
• Senior running back and wide receiver Eric Johnson: “We are always fired up. We are always looking for a challenge to overcome. We are going to surprise some people. We are going to be ready.”
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.
Ray, we UNLV Football fans are a fragile group. We are the prototypical 'long-suffering' group of folks looking for some light at the end of a tunnel. Don't tease us. Is this season different?
No matter what, my fingers are crossed.
I've got a buddy that's a high school coach. He said one of his former players, now playing at UNLV, told him that everyone that didn't want to work hard has either graduated, transferred, or Coach Hauck told them to leave. High hopes for this group. I prefer the advantages the underdog role provides. Good Luck Rebels!
I'm having trouble believing ... you had me fired up last year as well. Only to watch us get blown out by southern Utah college of welding. Another freshman QB is going to require patience from Rebel fans and I'm not sure how much of that is left out there.
All I can hear is Bullwinkle's voice saying, "THIS time for sure!"
I have several alumni friends who have close connections to the program or even have kids on the program. Not one of them has said or heard anything negative about what is going on here now. They had to purge the program of the guys who did not beleive and we are now seeing some of those benefits with the positive attitudes. Hoping this will translate into more wins on the field this year!
Rebelheart, the "bad attitude" was wrought by Hauck and his approach. He took starters and replaced them with "his" players. That is a Coach's right, but that coach also has to understand the fallout.
If the excuse for losing to New Mexico and SUU was our players had a bad attitude and those players have now been vetted or graduated then we are in serious trouble this year.
I always want the best for UNLV, but putting on rose-colored glass just doesn't cut it.
Time will tell, time will tell.
I BELIEVE!! Go REBELS!
Heretic, at the SUU game, 3 pick 6s will make you lose. period. were you at the game? I was. when your QB throws directly to the DB, it costs you 6 pts. Do this 3 times, and do the math. Coach didn't throw the ball. The Defense didn't give it up. they lost as a team but you can see where the problem was. I am looking forward to seeing Sherry run the offense. I was impressed in him in the spring game. Were you there? Do you go to the games? This team has grown up and will win some games starting with Minnesota. Go REBELS!
I am also cautiously optimistic this year. I thought Caleb was going to take a step forward after showing signs of good ball protection and smart decision making the year before. Well, we all saw how that turned out. I was in the end zone that the three SU guys made their playground at his expense. I think our lines will both be better this year and the running game will flourish.
Rebel's are an improved team and we will see how much when they play Minnesota
Come on fellas what a bunch of little whiners.....Sure we've taken our lumps but good god man its football lets get it on! Beer, hot dogs front row in the end zone I'm pumped we'll play better UNLV the only game in town!
JPCortez, I go to all of the home games. Four seats, club level and I stay to the end. I support the team but I will admit that my faith has been shaken. Excuses and could-haves aren't going to make the grade anymore.
Three wins this year will not cut it.
Ricovegas, I was in a bar the other day and someone asked me who my favorite football team was in the NFL.... my answer is always the same.....I just want a good football game. My favorite football team will always be the Rebels. It just gets old sometimes.
I am an optimist and always hope for a great season, that's why I pay for the tickets.
I'm pretty tired of having optimistic goals when I hear about UNLV football. I'll believe it when I see it.
@heretic, so if coach replaced a previous starter with his own player, then just maybe his player was the better player? Before Hauck got here I didn't see a whole lot of All-Americans, or see this team going to a bowl game each year. What has he got to loose by starting all over? Sometimes a program has to be taken down to the bare bones and then rebuilt.
One other thing, Coach Leach is in his first year at up at Washington State. He kicked 2 starters off of his team during spring ball. Shame on him, according to you!
Go Rebs!!!!!
the sports book directors worse nightmare unlv on a late saturday game losing big and customers are cashing tickets affecting there bottom line for the day