Ray Brewer: From the Pressbox

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Instant Analysis: UNLV’s Sanchez after loss: ‘I’m embarrassed’

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Jeremy Rincon

UNLV coach Tony Sanchez during pregame before the Rebels’ game against visiting Idaho Sept. 24, 2016, at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Sat, Sep 24, 2016 (9:38 p.m.)

My intent entering Saturday night's UNLV football game against visiting Idaho was to make a bold prediction: The Rebels would go undefeated in their six home games this season. They’d crush lower-level Idaho and be one-third of the way to a clean home record.

Yep, I was wrong.

The Rebels were a two-touchdown betting favorite Saturday but were humbled in a 33-30 defeat in overtime.

It’s arguably the first time in the two-year Tony Sanchez coaching tenure in which the Rebels suffered one of those head-scratching defeats. They lost to Idaho? Really? The hope was the Rebels would be done with these types of disappointments.

“Not a lot of positives from tonight,” Sanchez said. “Bottom line, this is a game we have to come out and win. ... Bottom line, we aren’t a very good football team right now.”

Here are some more observations from the game.

What it means: You just can’t lose to Idaho. This was a game the Rebels were supposed to win. They weren’t supposed to beat Central Michigan last week, and even though they were lethargic late in the game, it didn’t bring much concern because they were overwhelmed. Saturday night, the Rebels had the better players. Saturday night, they were outplayed. No excuses. Sanchez is doing so many things correctly in building the program, including recruiting higher-caliber players, fundraising and equipment upgrades, that a night like this was unexpected. Some will wonder: Will the high-end recruits he is pursuing play for a team that loses at home to a lower-tier opponent? That’s a fair question. Here’s the deal: Sanchez needs time. Eventually, he’ll produce a winner; I’m convinced of it. Along the way, there’s going to be some heartbreak, some misery. Saturday night, though, could be his all-time low.

“Again, I’m embarrassed,” Sanchez said.

Johnny Stanton’s up and down game: To Stanton’s credit, he’s a great running quarterback and his ability to execute the read-option attack helped UNLV get back into the game. He rushed for 131 yards and 18 carries, and always seemed to be one tackle away from a long run. But he struggled most of the night passing the ball. In the first half, he was 5-of-10 for 60 yards with two interceptions and one touchdown. The interception was returned for a touchdown and an early Idaho lead. But Stanton was much better in the second half in leading the comeback charge. Sanchez said coaches briefly talked about replacing Stanton, but they were glad he stayed in the game because they moved the ball better in the second half.

How the game was lost: UNLV didn’t finish. The Rebels settled for field goals instead of touchdowns in the second half and, more important, in overtime after stalling near the Idaho goal line. Defensively, they surrendered long pass after long pass, and again had a poor pass rush. Matt Linehan, Idaho's average quarterback, passed for 249 yards and had plenty of time to sling the ball around the field.

The Rebels’ best minute: If only every possession had been like this one. The Rebels needed just three plays late in the fourth quarter to drive 83 yards and tie the game at 27-all. Lexington Thomas broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run and the Rebels finally had momentum. It was easily the Rebels' highlight of the game.

A look at the stat sheet: Converted linebacker Marc Philippi scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 4-yard pass from Stanton late in the first half. ... UNLV rushed for 364 yards, including 160 by Thomas for the sophomore’s sixth career 100-plus yard rushing effort ... Devonte Boyd led UNLV with six receptions for 64 yards and Darren Woods Jr. had four grabs for 66 yards. ... Evan Pantels’ 32-yard field goal in the third quarter marked the first time the Rebels attempted a field goal in four games.

Up next: No matter how ugly Saturday night was, and no matter how ugly last week’s loss to Central Michigan was, the Rebels can hit the reset button next week. They host Fresno State to open Mountain West play in a league in which there will be many opportunities for wins. San Diego State and Boise State are considered the league’s best teams, but behind them it’s wide open. Fresno State is a must-win if they hope to salvage the season and reach a bowl game — a long shot.

“We have to do some soul searching," Sanchez said. "It wasn’t 'turn the page.' It was, You have to chew on this for the night. If you care at all, this has to sting.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21

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