2009 UNLV Rebels NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 24, 2009 by Jason Lowry

UNLV Rebels 2009 Predictions The UNLV Rebels just missed out on their first postseason appearance since 2000 last year, as they finished up the regular season at 5-7. While the Rebels played well in non-conference action going 3-1 with a win over No.15 Arizona State early in the season, they were pretty bad in MWC play posting a weak 2-6 record in conference play. This year the Rebels bring back 14 starters under head coach Mike Sanford, and while they might not be able to jump to the top of the MWC this could be the year the Rebels break their bowl game drought.

On offense the Rebels have 7 starters returning, and most importantly they get back junior quarterback Omar Clayton. Last year Clayton took a cheap shot against ISU in the Rebels fourth game of the season, and while he was able to play another 4 games before being sidelined for the season, he was never 100% after that hit. The Rebels have an opening at running back, and it looks like the job will belong to sophomore CJ Cox, who was second on the team with just 191 yards and 1 score last season, but figures to have a much better season with more touches. At wide receiver the Rebels bring back a couple of very good players in senior Ryan Wolfe and sophomore Phillip Payne, While Wolfe led the team with 88 catches for 1,040 yards, Payne led the team in receiving touchdowns with 7. The Rebels also figure to use seniors Rodelin Anthony and Jerriman Robinson in the passing game as well. As for the offensive line the Rebels must find a replacement at both guard and center. It looks as though junior John Gianninoto will be the man to take over at center, while redshirt freshman Sean Tesoro is expected to start at left guard. Helping the new guys out will be a couple of solid tackles in juniors Evan Marchal and Matt Murphy, and a pretty good right guard in senior Joe Hawley. Overall the offense figures to be much improved this season with a healthy Clayton taking the snaps, but they will also need Cox to be productive in the running game. Bet the UNLV Rebels this season at Sportsbook.com.

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The Rebels have another 7 starters back on the defensive side of things, but this was a unit that ranked second to last in the MWC allowing just over 34 points a game last season. The Rebels bring back three starters on the defensive line, led by junior defensive tackle Malo Taumua. Starting alongside Taumua will be senior Martin Tevaseu, and at the two defensive end spots will be juniors Isaako Aaitui and BJ Bell. Where the Rebels figure to be the strongest on this side of the ball is at linebacker, where they return all three starters from last year. Junior Ronnie Paulo returns in the middle, while junior Starr Fuimaono and senior Jason Beauchamp return on the outside. Beauchamp is likely the best of the bunch, after leading the team with 127 tackles last season, but all three figure to be in the mix for all-conference honors this season. The Rebels have just one starer back in the secondary in junior corner Quinton Pointer, who led the Rebels with 2 interceptions last season. Playing opposite of Pointer will most likely be junior Warren Zeigler, while junior Travis Dixon and sophomore Chris Jones take over at the two safety positions. While the defense should be better than it was a year ago, I still think this unit will struggle stopping the top teams in the MWC this season. Bet the MWC this season at Sportsbook.com.

My 2009 Prediction: 5th in MWC (4-4) Overall (6-6)
The Rebels did not draw the easiest MWC schedule, as they have to play home games against BYU and Utah in back to back weeks, and most play on the road against Air Force and TCU. If the Rebels can upset the Falcons on the road, they could finish 4th in the MWC this season. The Rebels have three winnable games to start the season at home, and if they win those three I think they are a lock to reach 6 wins this season.

For those of you looking for some help with your college football picks this season, be sure to stop back for our expert NCAA football predictions and the latest college football betting odds at Betfirms.

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