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Aztecs, Rebels trade scores to open second half, SDSU leads 24-14: Lindley continues to let it fly as SDSU extends lead yet again, Clayton responds; Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009; Ryan Lindley is now up to 252 yards through the air for the Aztecs, and in turn, his team grabbed a three-score lead on UNLV. Lane Yoshida's chip-shot field goal to cap the first drive of the third quarter put San Diego State up 24-7 on UNLV. The Rebels responded however, as Omar Clayton ran in a score from eight yards out. It came a snap after Phillip Payne nearly made a circus-like touchdown grab in the back of the end zone. Either way, UNLV managed to work its way back to within 10 at 24-14.
Live game blog: Bellfield, UNLV come through late, upset No. 16 Louisville, 76-71: Sophomore guard finishes off 17-point day the hard way as Rebels improve to 5-0; Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009; When an 18-point lead vanished in the second half — completely — Oscar Bellfield took over, and the UNLV sophomore guard's 17 points helped pace the Rebels to an upset victory over No. 16 Louisville on Saturday afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center, 76-71.
Take Five: Getting to know San Diego State: If the Aztecs' hearts are still in it, a shootout could easily ensue; Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009; It's not necessarily going to be a question of who wants it more, but rather who cares more when UNLV and San Diego State square off on Saturday in what has quickly become a relatively meaningless season finale. It's 4-7 vs. 4-7, with both teams' seasons coming to a close officially once Saturday night's game is through. Despite the identical records, though, the programs are in completely different places overall right now.
Two years after Sports Illustrated feature, Bellfield says gamble paid off: UNLV sophomore guard held out for what he wanted, and good fortune found him; Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009; Whenever LaWanda Bellfield goes up or down the staircase in her home, she's reminded of her son Oscar's bold move. On the wall along that staircase is a framed copy of a feature on her son, published in Sports Illustrated two years ago this week. The headline — A Big-time Gamble — is in big, bold, black and blue type next to a full-page photo of Oscar, driving to the hoop in his Westchester High uniform.
Marcus Jones finds his true passion in hunt for UFC contract: Former NFL defensive end now starring on The Ultimate Fighter and winning over fans in the process; Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009; On a recent episode of The Ultimate Fighter — the UFC's wildly popular reality show — heavyweight hopeful Marcus Jones made a revelation to millions of viewers. The former NFL defensive end, who recorded 24 sacks in six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-2001, confessed that his heart was never fully in his football career. Well, at least not in the way it's invested in his fledgling mixed martial arts career.
Rebels try to remain focused nearing the finish line: Despite little meaning in the big picture, Rebels motivated for Saturday for several reasons; Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009; Both teams are 4-7, meaning both UNLV's and San Diego State's seasons officially come to a close on Saturday night, no matter the outcome of their regular season finale at Sam Boyd Stadium. There are enough factors that could keep most casual onlookers away, but the UNLV players still have a game to play. That won't change this week.
Next season TUF coaches, Griffin and Ortiz?: Stint on UFC reality show could add to the build-up for potential third fight between the light heavyweight vets; Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009; In Forrest Griffin's eyes, he's 1-1 against Tito Ortiz, readily admitting as much. In Tito Ortiz's eyes, he should be 2-0. But the reality of the situation is that after Saturday night's split decision loss to Griffin at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, the series is, in fact, split down the middle. What better way to build up a third meeting than to have the two fan favorite light heavyweight vets square off first as coaches on the 11th season of The Ultimate Fighter?
Sadollah ready to get on a roll after taking care of Baroni: After coming out of a slugfest on top, former TUF winner shuts the door on a trying year; Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009; It may have taken 17 months for Amir Sadollah to find it after earning his UFC contract at The Ultimate Fighter 7 Finale, but the 29-year-old welterweight may have found his starting point.
Wolfe's UNLV career ends early with broken foot: Senior receiver will have surgery next week, rehab will take 8-12 weeks; Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; One of the remaining redeeming qualities of UNLV's upcoming season finale on Nov. 28 at Sam Boyd Stadium against San Diego State was an opportunity to bid farewell to the school's all-time leading receiver — Ryan Wolfe. That will no longer be the case, as a broken foot suffered this week during practice ended his UNLV career.
Koscheck ready and willing for showdown with Johnson: Despite quick turnaround and recent weigh-in issues for Anthony Johnson, Josh Koscheck avoids distraction, stays confident; Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; From the way Josh Koscheck makes it sound, his welterweight bout this Saturday at UFC 106 with Anthony Johnson may just come down to who can land the big bomb the fastest. "I think this is a good fight for the fans," Koscheck said. "You guys gotta know, this fight isn't going to the judging scorecards like the last couple of (big) fights have been in the UFC, with the (Shogun-Machida fight at UFC 104) and then the Randy Couture controversy with (Brandon) Vera.
Franchione emerges as potential early candidate for UNLV football post: Successful history at MWC programs could carry weight for Dennis Franchione; Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009; With the job listing still fresh on the market, UNLV interim athletic director Jerry Koloskie has been inundated with calls and e-mails from those interested in his football coaching vacancy. A source close to the situation confirmed to The Sun that one prominent figure to throw his hat into the ring early is Dennis Franchione, who most recently coached at Texas A&M.
Burst from Jones helps Rebels chop up Wolf Pack: Senior walk-on sparks key 11-0 second half run in victory; Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009; Some walk-ons wait an entire career to have the night that UNLV senior guard Steve Jones had on Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center. And for most of them, that night never comes.
Sadollah, Baroni in similar positions entering Saturday's meeting: Two fighters will battle to make a similar, much-needed statement; Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009; Since winning the seventh season of The Ultimate Fighter, injuries have held Sadollah to just one fight in the last 17 months — a first round TKO defeat against Johny Hendricks at UFC 101 in August in a bout that ended in an astonishing 29 seconds. As for the veteran Baroni, the 33-year-old, who made his organization debut at UFC 30 on Feb. 23, 2001, makes his first UFC appearance since UFC 51 on Feb. 5, 2005, this Saturday.
Bench leads second-half surge as Rebels get by Wolf Pack, 88-75: Hawkins, Marshall, Jones spark 46-21 run to improve UNLV to 2-0; Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009; When UNLV trailed 54-42 early in the second half, the Thomas & Mack Center was darn-near silent. By the end of the night, it was frenzied. That's what a 46-21 run can do for a home crowd. Freshmen Justin Hawkins and Anthony Marshall joined senior walk-on Steve Jones in igniting the spurt, as what once looked like a disappointing night for the Rebels turned into an all-around enjoyable victory for those in attendance.
Tito Ortiz set to end hiatus, return to where he belongs: Former light heavyweight champ hopes fill his old shoes, starting Saturday against Forrest Griffin; Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009; BIG BEAR, Calif. — A converted garage located towards the back of the expansive, gated training camp Tito Ortiz utilizes in the mountainous setting of Big Bear, Calif., in a way, symbolizes everything he's accomplished in a decorated mixed martial arts career. At the same time, it also symbolizes everything he hopes to add to that resumé upon his much-anticipated return to the UFC, which commences this Saturday night in his main event bout at UFC 106 with Forrest Griffin at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Players graduating, returning discuss coaching turnover: QB Omar Clayton says it's a waiting game for most returners as coaching search ensues; Monday, Nov. 16, 2009; Whenever a college football program undergoes a coaching change, naturally, fallout ensues. Usually, it's in the form of players transferring out of the program. UNLV's decision to fire fifth-year coach Mike Sanford came as the 4-7 team heads into the bye week, and then plays its season finale on Nov. 28 at home against San Diego State. For the time being, until both the season is finished and a new coach is named, the UNLV players who are set to return next season are in a holding pattern of sorts.
Sanford places blame elsewhere for UNLV's shortcomings: Fired head coach says more commitment is needed from administration, community; Monday, Nov. 16, 2009; A day after his firing as the head football coach at UNLV, Mike Sanford sat in front of more microphones and recorders than he had seen at almost any point in his five-year tenure. He used that rare forum to proclaim that, in his mind, the program's failure to get off the ground had nothing to do with who the head coach was.
Sanford won't return as UNLV coach in 2010: Following fifth consecutive losing season, Rebels football program to head in a new direction; Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009; The Mike Sanford era at UNLV will officially be over once the Rebels complete another disappointing season with their finale at Sam Boyd Stadium on Nov. 28 against San Diego State. Sources close to the situation confirmed the news to The Sun on Sunday night in the wake of the Rebels' 45-17 loss on Saturday evening to Air Force. The defeat dropped UNLV to 4-7.
Bruised and battered, Cotto says he will fight again: Despite losing his belt in lopsided defeat, Miguel Cotto tells crowd he will be back; Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009; Those in Miguel Cotto's corner on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena made the executive, majority decision to send their fighter in for a 12th and final round with Manny Pacquiao. The fight was called 55 seconds into the frame and awarded to Pacquiao by TKO. But, in reality, the fight ended much earlier, as Cotto was gradually worn down after two solid rounds to start the fight. Speaking in bigger picture terms, Cotto told his fans afterwards that the fight go on in regards to his career.
Newly-crowned Yuri Foreman may have several challengers now: Israeli super welterweight's unique story continues to get bigger with victory over Daniel Santos; Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009; His unique story of being both an up-and-comer in both the fight world and the spiritual world helped put Yuri Foreman on the national radar. That legend only grew on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as the 29-year-old Israeli claimed the WBA super welterweight belt from Daniel Santos with a unanimous decision victory.
Take Five: Getting to know Air Force: Falcons are bowl eligible and tough yet again under Troy Calhoun; Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009; The Air Force football program is quickly turning into one of college football's best-kept secrets west of the Mississippi. With a 35-7 victory at home over Army last weekend, the Falcons improved to 6-4, now making them bowl eligible for the third time in three seasons under Troy Calhoun. Some thought the program had slipped a bit before then, as Fisher DeBerry's 23-year tenure concluded with a trio of losing seasons and four straight years without a trip to a bowl game. With Calhoun at the helm, the program is back on solid ground, as the Falcons simply win games.
Foreman close to becoming both a rabbi and a champion: 29-year-old Yuri Foreman could reach new heights within the Jewish community with a victory over Daniel Santos; Friday, Nov. 13, 2009; In the eyes of those around him, the fact that Yuri Foreman crunches more than 48 hours worth of commitment into each 24-hour day already makes the 29-year-old a champion. On Saturday night, a victory over Daniel Santos would make it official to everyone else, with the WBA super welterweight belt on the line at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
History shows Falcons can hurt Rebels both on ground and through air: While Air Force ran the ball well last year at UNLV, the pass game decided the outcome; Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009; Wherever Air Force's offense goes, it's reputation as a run-heavy machine follows. That was certainly the case last season, when the Falcons came into Sam Boyd Stadium and squeaked out a 29-28 victory over UNLV. But a look inside the numbers shows that it wasn't the run which really killed the Rebels in the long run.
From fantasy to reality, TUF winner Pearson set for UFC debut: Two years removed from paying his way into the arena, 25-year-old takes on veteran Aaron Riley on Saturday in Manchester; Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009; Surrounded by a few hundred liquored-up patrons who had just ended a hard day on the job, Ross Pearson used to fight in working men's clubs in the United Kingdom. With plumes of smoke in the air and grown men yelling, he'd put on his show, then join those he'd entertained for a pint or two. His fight on Saturday night against Aaron Riley at UFC 105 in Manchester, England, couldn't possibly present a different atmosphere than where the 25-year-old was doing battle just two years ago.
Rebels old and new celebrate 20th anniversary of 1990 title: Championship squad meets to shake hands, recall the glory days at Monday's gala event; Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; Freshman guard Anthony Marshall wasn't even born when Jerry Tarkanian's 1989-90 UNLV men's basketball squad simultaneously captured the country's adoration and the program's lone national championship. Still, growing up in the back yard of the Thomas & Mack Center, he knew all about that legendary bunch that slammed Duke in the 1990 title game, 103-73.
Mondays with Mike: UNLV's bowl hopes face toughest remaining challenge at Air Force: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009; The first time this season in which the UNLV football team went up against a true 3-4 defense, the outcome was unexpected. That was when the Rebels, then 2-1, fell on the road as favorites to Wyoming, 30-27, back on Sept. 26. UNLV never looked settled on offense, and it showed in the final numbers, as Mike Sanford's club turned the ball over four times.
Rebels produce under pressure, thump Rams, 35-16: UNLV's slim bowl hopes stay alive for another week thanks to steady offense, big-play defense; Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009; Whether it was by noticing the smiles on their faces that displayed a sense of momentary relief or just by them flat-out saying it, Saturday night's win just felt a bit different than the previous three this season for the members of the UNLV football team. In soundly dispatching of Colorado State on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium by a count of 35-16, the Rebels ended the Rams' hopes of bowl eligibility, and in turn kept theirs alive by improving to 4-6 with two games still to go.
Notebook: Martin's INT lifts weight from UNLV defense: Rebels snap 30-quarter interception-less drought with fourth quarter turnover; Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009; The counting game with teammate Quinton Pointer had grown a bit tiresome during practice for UNLV senior safety Marquel Martin. Now Martin has one up on Pointer in interceptions this season following his fourth quarter pick of Rams quarterback Jon Eastman.
Rebels polish off Rams, 35-16, keep slim bowl hopes alive: Consistent Clayton, big defensive plays earn Rebels second MWC win; Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009; Omar Clayton was a consistent 10-of-17 for 147 yards and two total TDs, the UNLV defense came up with a big play here and there and the 4-6 Rebels can hold on for another week to their slim bowl hopes following a 35-16 victory over Colorado State on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Take Five: Getting to know Colorado State: Two 3-6 teams meet, both facing do-or-die situation heading into season's final quarter; Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009; Three weeks into the 2009 season, a regular season meeting down the road between UNLV and Colorado State had all the makings of deciding who lands one of the Mountain West Conference's last bowl bids. That still could be the case, but it's just not as certain. Not by a long shot.
Gorman ready for Palo following 56-15 pounding of Cheyenne: Freshman QB Solomon settles in, helps turn close game into a blowout; Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009; First-year Bishop Gorman coach Tony Sanchez had barely finished making his way through the postgame handshake line before proclaiming — to no one in particular — that it was now officially 'Palo week.' Of course, that's in reference to the Sunset Regional semifinal showdown which is now set up for next week between Gorman and rival Palo Verde, who slaughtered the Gaels last year in the regional finals, 50-14. Gorman did its part to set up the rematch by unloading on Cheyenne on Friday night, 56-15.
Notebook: Tevaseu back in the groove following family tragedy: Senior defensive tackle motivated after losing sister to car accident; Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; While facing a tough time at home with his family two weeks ago, UNLV senior defensive tackle Martin Tevaseu leaned on his responsibilities to his football family to remain balanced. Now, things are starting to get back to normal for the Rebels' 6-foot-2, 340-pound man in the middle. Preparing for the team's 34-17 victory at New Mexico back on Oct. 24 didn't go as originally planned.
Darger selected by Utah Flash in fifth round of NBDL draft: Former Rebels forward will attempt to make 10-man opening day roster; Friday, Nov. 6, 2009; A venture into the world of professional hoops officially began on Wednesday afternoon for former UNLV forward Joe Darger. The Riverton, Utah, native, who averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds last season for the Rebels, was selected by the Utah Flash on Wednesday in the fifth round of the NBA's Developmental League draft.
Mondays with Mike: It's a familiar position for 3-6 Rebels: UNLV needs three wins in three games — just like in 2008 — starting with Colorado State; Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009; If you were to grade the UNLV football team on its showing last season in the schedule's final three games, a D+ would be pretty fair. Facing a situation where they needed three wins in three games to attain bowl eligibility, the Rebels ultimately blew their opportunity with a heartbreaking 42-28 loss at San Diego State in the finale. The only saving grace which awarded Mike Sanford's club a passing grade was the fact that it won the first two, getting as close as humanly possible to the program's first bowl appearance since 2000.
Take Five: Getting to know TCU: To say facing the Horned Frogs — the class of the Mountain West in 2009 — will be a challenge for the Rebels would be a vast understatement; Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009; By the time UNLV and TCU kick off this afternoon in Fort Worth, the Rebels will more than likely be sick and tired of having heard all week about how they have no shot. The oddsmakers have set UNLV as an underdog by 35 points. TCU's defense, which ranks fifth out of 120 FBS teams, is fresh off a 38-7 whipping of BYU in Provo last weekend. At the same time, the Rebels were taking care of New Mexico, 34-17.
Back on track, Clayton gets another shot at TCU: Junior QB finds his form in time to face defense which ended his 2008 season; Friday, Oct. 30, 2009; Week after week this season, Omar Clayton has sat and watched game film on Sundays with his UNLV teammates. The junior quarterback, for the most part, looks like the same guy who sparked the Rebels' 3-1 start in 2008 and, in the process, became one of the Mountain West Conference's most promising young dual-threat gunslingers. Then again, that was just 'for the most part.'
Marchal, Murphy will be in the spotlight in Fort Worth: Normally not the center of attention, Rebel tackles have tough task at hand; Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009; Typically, the only time Evan Marchal is noticed by the casual UNLV football fan is if his number is called for a penalty. However, the Rebels' junior right tackle will be closely watched on Saturday, as the team travels south to face 7-0 TCU, who is now up to No. 6 in the BCS rankings.
Mondays with Mike: Sanford showing optimism with TCU on the horizon: Rebels coach refuses to lie down on Horned Frogs' path to a potential BCS berth; Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009; No one can blame UNLV coach Mike Sanford for having some extra pop in his step early this week and rightfully brandishing a bit of optimism on the heels of his team's 34-17 victory at New Mexico on Saturday night. Now he's ready to sound bold, as the 3-5 Rebels head south for Halloween to face 7-0 TCU. The Horned Frogs shot up to No. 6 in the latest BCS rankings on the heels of a 38-7 trouncing of BYU.
Record-setting Wolfe paces UNLV to 34-17 victory over New Mexico: Senior wideout becomes MWC's all-time leading pass-catcher as Rebels snap 20-game skid on the road in league play; Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009; ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It was a melting pot of a win in many ways on Saturday night for the UNLV football team. But it was a fourth-quarter reception by senior Ryan Wolfe that ultimately told the story in the Rebels' 34-17 win over New Mexico.
Notebook: Rebels defense starting to look, feel healthy: Healed-up Beauchamp leads energetic defensive effort; Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009; ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — UNLV senior linebacker/defensive end Jason Beauchamp had been plenty productive through the season's first seven games while dealing with both a right ankle and left knee injury. On Saturday night in a 34-17 victory over New Mexico, he showed how much more dangerous he can be when feeling like, well, himself.
UNLV-New Mexico: By the numbers: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009; What did it take for UNLV to snap a four-game skid and 20-game road losing streak in Mountain West Conference games? Well, the stat sheet tells the story of the Rebels' 34-17 victory over winless New Mexico on Saturday night in Albuquerque.
Rebels now face toughest 2009 challenge in Fort Worth: No. 8 TCU appears to be on a warpath towards BCS berth; Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009; It's tough enough for UNLV to have to prepare for a talented, big, strong, fast TCU team which is by far the most physically impressive squad in the ever-improving Mountain West Conference. Add onto that the fact that the 7-0 Horned Frogs are now in the stretch run of a race for a BCS bowl berth, and it equals the Rebels' toughest challenge of the 2009 season.
Rebels snap road skid, defeat Lobos 34-17: Wolfe's record-setting night, efficient Clayton pace UNLV in third victory of 2009 campaign; Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009; ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — UNLV is no longer the owner of the nation's longest road losing streak in conference play. And calls for coach Mike Sanford's job will be on hold for at least a little while as his team rejoices a 34-17 victory over New Mexico.
Take Five: Getting to know New Mexico: Each team carries an ugly-looking streak into Saturday's contest, but only one will come to an end.; Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009; Fans might wonder why today’s Mountain West game between UNLV (2-5) and New Mexico (0-6) is being televised. You could look at the meeting in Albuquerque as a train wreck, simply not allowing you to look away. Or you can take a closer look and see that story lines sprout up all over the place in this matchup.
For UNLV linebackers, playing with pain is part of the job: Paulo, Fuimaono, Beauchamp all dealing with bumps and bruises, yet still productive; Friday, Oct. 23, 2009; At this point in his career as UNLV's starting middle linebacker, you could forgive junior Ronnie Paulo if he's forgotten what "100 percent" feels like. Entering Saturday's contest on the road against winless New Mexico, Paulo will be looking to somewhat protect a sprained shoulder.
Wallace out to prove he's more than just a sniper: Junior guard displaying more than just 3-point touch so far in competition for minutes; Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009; When Kendall Wallace popped off of the bench last season for the Rebels — for 14.8 minutes per game, to be exact — just about everyone in the gym knew what kind of spark he was set to provide.
Notebook: Payne quietly taking big strides in 2009: Sophomore wideout officially no longer just a red zone threat; Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009; Amidst all of the talk of uncharacteristic turnovers, a porous defense and a head coach on the hot seat, there always has to be a feel-good story or two somewhere in there. For the 2-5 UNLV football team, one of those positives has been the play of sophomore receiver Phillip Payne, who last year emerged as one of college football's top young threats to finish the job inside of the opponent's 20-yard line. This season, opponents have gone to great lengths to limit the effectiveness of the fade route in the red zone, but Payne has simply excelled elsewhere.
Mondays with Mike: Rebels focusing on red zone improvement: UNLV-New Mexico matchup could hinge on who fixes leaks inside the opponent's 20-yard line; Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009; In 2008 — and oddly enough for the first part of 2009 — once inside of an opponent's 20-yard line, the strategy was pretty simple for the UNLV offense. Put the ball in the air, wait and then watch Phillip Payne catch it. The fade play worked practically on command for the Rebels during the Western High product's freshman campaign, but now opposing defenses are forcing UNLV to go in a different direction in the red zone. And, obviously, it's working.
As defense improves, Rebels falter elsewhere in 35-15 loss to Utah: Offensive miscues and inefficiency drop UNLV to 2-5 with a trip to face winless New Mexico on the horizon; Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009; Well, you can't say the defense was to blame for this one. But, as has been the case almost all along for the 2009 UNLV football team, if it's not one thing, it's something else — this time, inefficiency in the red zone and blown offensive opportunities.
UNLV-Utah: By the numbers: Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009; A quick look at the box score from UNLV's 35-15 loss to Utah on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium shows that the Rebels' defense for once wasn't primarily to blame for a setback. But plenty else went wrong for Mike Sanford's club, which fell to 2-5 and lost its fourth straight. Here's a look at just what went both right and wrong.