2022 in Review

Failing to get bowl-eligible after the hot start would ultimately bring an end to the Marcus Arroyo era in Las Vegas with a 7-23 mark in three seasons.

In Arroyo, the Rebels went with an offensive-minded head coach; this time around they looked to the other side of the ball and brought in defensive-minded Barry Odom.

Odom’s prior head coaching spot was at his alma mater Missouri where he posted a 25-25 mark from 2016-19 while leading the Tigers.

On offense, UNLV has averaged over 30 points per outing just once since 1980! That was the 2016 campaign when they scored 31.6 per game—but still just posted a 4-8 mark that year.

Offensively, the Rebels have a base to work with in QB Doug Brumfield in games he both started and finished during his freshman season the Rebs posted a 4-4 mark with all four losses coming by seven points or less.

The three losses without him were by a combined 91 points (The Rebels did win the Nevada game in which he was limited).

Offense

The Rebels will look to push the tempo on offense and utilize two running backs that will share the load on the ground. Look for Vincent Davis to hold down one of those roles.

The transfer from Pitt averaged 4.7 yards per carry during his career for the Panthers.

Courtney Reese is the leading returnee, he only carried the ball 52 times in 2022 but averaged 7.2 per tote. Ricky White should be the top option among the pass catchers.

The line is a decent unit and should be able to create holes for the backs and protection for Brumfield.

The question on the line could be a lack of depth. Injuries along the line could derail them in a hurry and the tempo on offense could also be an issue.

Most recently, Odom was the defensive coordinator for Arkansas over the course of the last three seasons. UNLV certainly needs some improvement on that side of the ball.

Defense

Entering last season, the Rebels had not allowed under 30 points per game over a season since 2007, last year they finally got back under that mark, allowing 28.5 per outing.

During their six-game slide in the middle of the 2022 season, they allowed 34.7. Since 2014, the Rebels have finished no better than seventh in the MW in points allowed.

The Rebels bring back seven starters on the defensive side of the ball and have some incoming talent to complement the returnees.

Along the line, a big get was bringing in rush end Zavier Carter. The LSU transfer will join Darius Johnson and Jalen Dixon on the line.

Jackson Woodard has followed Odom from Arkansas and will anchor the middle of the defense at linebacker. The new DC is Mike Scherer, who was Woodard’s position coach with the Razorbacks.

UNLV will look to replace Austin Aijake who led the team in tackles last season. Woodard could fill that void and should be flanked by a pair of seniors in Fred Thompkins and Jerrae Williams.

Defending the pass has been a big problem for UNLV, they have been 90th or lower nationally against the pass 12 times since 2005.

Giving up big plays plagued them a season ago as they gave up 21 pass plays of 30+ yards, 93rd in the nation. The back end of the defense has three starters returning and should show improvement.

They have also added some pieces to the secondary in transfers Jaxson Turner (Arizona) and Jalen Frazier (NC State). This could be the strength of the defense this season.

Schedule