The Horned Frogs (5-2 overall and 1-2 in conference) will be trying to even their conference record and extend their winning streak to three games when they visit the UNLV Rebels on Saturday afternoon.Last season, the Frogs beat the Rebels (1-7, 0-4) 51-3 in Fort Worth.
This will be the first trip to UNLV for the Frogs since their 41-18 victory in 1998. The Frogs lead the all-time series 3-1.
One of the keys to last weekend’s 26-3 win versus Wyoming was the offense, which looked aggressive, said Gary Patterson, head coach.
“For us to have a chance to keep winning, we have to keep attacking and try to take advantage of every weakness a team has,” Patterson said.
A big factor in the offense’s production was the play off senior wide receiver Quentily Harmon, who had three catches for 105 yards in last weekend’s win.
“Last week, coach (Mike) Schultz gave us the right plays to go down the field, and we came through,” Harmon said. “Its always good to make a big play.”
The more aggressive offense was not the only reason for the Frogs’ success last week, Patterson said. The defensive pass rush played a big factor, too.
“Teams have tried to get the ball off in less than two seconds, and it’s hard to get any sacks when they are doing that,” Patterson said. “We were able to get into position where it was second or third-and-long, and we could play coverages that make them hold the ball longer.”
Senior defensive tackle Jarrarcea Williams played a role in last week’s win, recording a sack and two tackles.
“I feel like we have played consistent,” Williams said about the defensive line. “Being tackles, we do the little things that people really don’t think about.”
UNLV’s talented players will be some of the best the Frogs have faced since their game against Texas Tech, Patterson said.
“On offense, the quarterback (Rocky Hinds) is a great talent who transferred from USC,” Patterson said. “They’ve always had good skill players, and we have a lot of work to do to prepare for them.”
Even after last year’s win against the Rebels, the Frogs are in no position to play complacently, Patterson said.
“When you’re looking up in the standings like we are, there’s no margin for error,” Patterson said. “To get to a bowl game, you have to win three or four of your last five games.