| It has been a struggle for the UNLV Rebels since | | | | Gianninoto is pretty good in the interior. The only |
| finishing 6-6 in 2003, as they not finished .500 or | | | | change for this unit will come at right guard, |
| better since that season. The Rebels are starting | | | | where red-shirt freshman Sean Tesoro looks to |
| to show some signs off life, as they have been | | | | be the man to step in and start. Overall this unit is |
| pretty close to getting back to bowl eligibility the | | | | one of the top units in the MWC. |
| last two season. Last year the Rebels finished up | | | | Defense: |
| the year at 6-6 overall and 3-5 in the Mountain | | | | The Rebels have not been very good on this side |
| West conference. The Rebels enter the 2010 | | | | of the ball over the years. In 2009 the Rebels |
| season under a new head coach, as Bobby Hauck | | | | gave up nearly 34 points a game, but they have |
| was brought in to replace Mike Sanford. The | | | | seven starters back this season so there is some |
| Rebels have 15 starters back for the upcoming | | | | hope that they can improve on this side of the |
| season, but it's likely that this team will struggle | | | | ball. |
| this season with having to learn new schemes and | | | | The Rebels return both starters at defensive |
| they have a tougher schedule than they did a | | | | tackle this season in seniors Ramsey Feagai and |
| year ago. Here is a quick breakdown of what the | | | | Isaako Aaitui. It will be key that they improve this |
| Rebels will send to the field this season, plus my | | | | season, as the Rebels were absolutely horrible |
| thoughts on where they finish the year in the | | | | against the run last season, giving up 221 yards a |
| MWC. | | | | game. The Rebels will need to find two new |
| Offense: | | | | starters at defensive end for the 2010 season, |
| The Rebels will more than likely go with senior | | | | and heading into the fall it looks like it will be junior |
| quarterback Omar Clayton, as Clayton has a ton | | | | BJ Bell and senior Preston Brooks. |
| of experience under his belt with 23 starts in his | | | | The Rebels also bring backs some experience at |
| time with the Rebels. Last year Clayton | | | | the linebacker position this season, as they return |
| completed 60% of his attempts for 2,230 yards | | | | senior middle linebacker Ronnie Paulo and senior |
| with 13 touchdowns, but he did turn the ball over | | | | weak-side linebacker Starr Fuimaono. The change |
| a little too much than you would like to see with | | | | for this unit will come at the strong-side linebacker |
| 12 interceptions. | | | | spot, where junior Chris Jonesis expected to step |
| The Rebels return two running backs who are | | | | in after starting eight games over the last two |
| capable of getting the job done in senior Channing | | | | years. |
| Trottoer and junior CJ Cox. Last year Trotter led | | | | The Rebels have four starters back in the |
| the Rebels with 541 yards and nine touchdowns, | | | | secondary this season, including both starting |
| while Cox contributed just 173 and one score, but | | | | corners in senior Quinton Pointer and junior Will |
| to his credit he was banged up for most of the | | | | Chandler. Pointer is the leading tackler back for |
| season. The Rebels also get some help with the | | | | the Rebels, as he finished the season with 72 |
| ground attack from the quarterback position, as | | | | tackles and two sacks. Senior Mike Grant returns |
| Clayton and backup Mike Clausen combined for | | | | at strong safety for the Rebels, and it looks as |
| 526 yards and 10 touchdowns. | | | | though senior Alex De Giacomo will start at free |
| At wide receiver the Rebels will have to replace | | | | safety. |
| their top threat from last season in Ryan Wolfe, | | | | MWC Prediction - 7th: While the Rebels figure and |
| who led the way with 74 catches for 760 yards, | | | | should be more competitive this season, it is going |
| but they do have some talent back this season, | | | | to be hard for this team to show big |
| as they return two starters in juniors Phillip Payne | | | | improvements in the win loss column with the |
| and Michael Johnson. Payne actually led the Rebels | | | | schedule they have this season, as they have to |
| in touchdown receptions with seven last year. | | | | play Wisconsin and West Virginia in |
| Sophomore Mark Barefield is the likely candidate | | | | non-conference play. When it is all said and done I |
| to step in for Wolfe at receiver, while sophomore | | | | think the Rebels finish the 2010 season at 6-6. |
| Jordan Barret is expected to take over at tight | | | | For a complete look at how the MWC will finish up |
| end. | | | | this season, check out our 2010 MWC predictions. |
| The Rebels figure to be strong up front, as they | | | | If you plan on betting the college football odds this |
| return four starters from the 2009 season. Senior | | | | season, be sure to stop back each week for our |
| tackles Evan Marchal and Matt Murphy are both | | | | expert college football picks. |
| solid on the outside, and senior center John | | | | |
