Week 5: Nevada at UNLV

The Rebels already have come a long way in 2008. Then again, they left a lot of room for improvement.

A program that claimed only two wins in each of coach Mike Sanford's first three seasons has topped that mark this year, and it's still September. Now, UNLV can complete a perfect non-conference schedule (against strictly Football Bowl Subdivision schools), beat its in-state rival for the first time under Sanford and position itself for a bowl bid.

It's largely because the Rebels came through with consecutive overtime victories, defeating Arizona State and Iowa State. Those will be viewed as season-marking games, particularly if the Rebels can capitalize on this unfamiliar feeling of momentum.

Nevada is much harder to read. The Wolf Pack opened the season by crushing Grambling State, then stayed with Texas Tech for most of an eventual 35-19 loss before being blasted by Missouri, 69-17. After a week off, Nevada will regroup for the rivalry game.

The Wolf Pack will encounter a UNLV offense that's playing way better than ever under Sanford. The Rebels' previous struggles made it difficult to believe he was the same coach who coordinated Utah's fabulous 2004 offense, but now there are signs of life. Quarterback Omar Clayton has played brilliantly, not throwing an interception in 139 attempts dating to last season and completing 15 of 21 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa State.

Nevada also relies heavily on its quarterback in multiple ways. Colin Kaepernick is the team's leading rusher with 71 yards a game, fractionally ahead of running back Vai Taua. The Wolf Pack rank 10th in the country in total offense at 493 yards, and will challenge a UNLV defense that, except for breaking down in the second half against Utah, has been solid. The Rebels are allowing 358 yards a game.

Things to watch

Before Nevada won the last three meetings, the series was tied, 15-15.

UNLV's Frank Summers may be the most consistent running back in the country. He's averaging 96.5 yards a game, landing right around that figure every week.

Each team has an outstanding receiver, although UNLV depends a little more on Ryan Wolfe (29 catches) than Nevada looks to Marko Mitchell (15).

Having faced the prolific attacks of Texas Tech and Missouri, Nevada ranks second to last in the country in passing defense, allowing 347 yards a game.

Key player (Wolf Pack) — Brett Jaekle, K

Considering that UNLV's last two games have been decided by three points in overtime, Nevada's kicker may be critical. Jaekle is among the nation's leaders in field goals, having made five of seven attempts in three games.

Key player (Rebels) — Jason Beauchamp, LB

Coming into the season, Beauchamp was viewed as having big shoes to fill, replacing NFL draftee Beau Bell. He's delivering, making eight tackles a game, and will be vital against a Nevada offense that averages 277 rushing yards.

UNLV by 3