UNLV offense should come into focus against Vanderbilt

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 | 2 a.m.

Before the season began, one of the most intriguing, exciting storylines for the UNLV football team was the unveiling of the go-go offense. What would it look like? How effective would it be? Would it unlock another level in quarterback Doug Brumfield?

With two games in the books, most of those questions are still unanswered.

Due to the level of competition, it has been difficult to gauge this UNLV team, specifically the new, up-tempo offensive scheme installed by coordinator Brennan Marion. In Week 1, the Scarlet and Gray trounced FCS opponent Bryant, 44-14. There was not a whole lot to be learned from that performance. Last week it was the opposite situation, as UNLV got stomped at No. 2 Michigan, 35-7.

Week 3 should provide some clarity, as UNLV is set to host Vanderbilt on Saturday. The Commodores are a comparable opponent, and Brumfield and his teammates have had plenty of reps to work out the kinks.

Now it’s time to see what the go-go is all about.

This figures to be a particularly revealing game for Brumfield. The passing game has sputtered so far this year, even against Bryant; Brumfield threw for just 86 yards in that contest, then followed it up with 100 yards at Michigan.

Protection has been the biggest issue. Brumfield was sacked five times in the first half against Michigan.

Senior offensive lineman Amani Trigg-Wright said he and his fellow blockers have to give Brumfield more time and room to operate if the offense is going to get on track.

“We didn’t play the way we wanted to (against Michigan), and it forced Doug to try to be the hero, to put on a cape, when he shouldn’t have to,” Trigg-Wright said. “During the game, I challenged guys, and then after the game I sent a text out to the guys just saying, ‘Look, we have to be better.’ We will be better moving forward, and it’s our responsibility to keep Doug clean so he can get the ball to these playmakers. When that happens, we’re special.”

While Brumfield looks to perk up the passing game, UNLV’s ground game could also use a boost.

The go-go offense is built on a downhill rushing attack, and the Scarlet and Gray running backs feasted against Bryant, racking up 206 yards at a clip of 6.6 yards per carry. But they were unable to build on that against Michigan, as the Wolverines held UNLV’s backs to 59 yards on 19 attempts (3.1 per carry).

Asked about the stalled run game at his Monday news conference, head coach Barry Odom chalked it up entirely to the talent differential between the two teams; Michigan’s players were simply better across the board, so there was no realistic way UNLV could have created positive running plays.

Odom expects that to change this week, with Vanderbilt presenting a softer defensive front.

“Michigan is pretty darned good,” Odom said. “If you look at their front five, six, seven, eight guys, they will have a number of draft picks. Right now we don’t. I thought we ran the ball well Week 1, and we’ll get back to having the chance to run it (against Vanderbilt).”

Trigg-Wright had a differing opinion, saying the offensive line has to be accountable for executing their blocks regardless of the NFL draft rating of the opposition.

“I take a lot of pride in being able to run the ball and being able to be dominant in the run game,” Trigg-Wright said. “I told the guys, ‘Man, it was unacceptable to lose the way we did.’ We didn’t create enough lanes for our playmakers.”

Vanderbilt opponents have averaged a healthy 4.4 yards per carry, and UNLV should receive a boost this week with starting linemen Alani Makihele and Jalen St. John returning to action after missing the Michigan game due to injury.

Trigg-Wright wants to see the line establish a physical tone early, like they did on the first play against Bryant when Vincent Davis broke free for a 69-yard touchdown.

“Coming into Vanderbilt, we know that’s a good team,” Trigg-Wright said. “SEC ball, going to be strong upfront. That’s some good guys we’re going against. I challenged the O-line and myself to move the line of scrimmage and to be consistent in the run game, which opens up a lot more plays for us.”

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.