A Battle At The Quarterback Position Is Becoming A Reality

On Saturday the UNLV Rebels squared off against Arkansas State in an old fashioned theme game as “80’s night” with former Rebel Ickey Woods in appearance. Going into the game the Rebels had high aspirations to have their first 2-0 start since 1999, however, they failed to rise to the occasion losing to the Red Wolves 43-17. 

The Rebels struggled on offense as they could hardly move the ball, Junior quarterback Armani Rodgers could not connect with receivers as he threw 8-for-23 for only 42-yards and was sacked six times. Rodgers started the game with an interception that resulted in a touchdown by the Reb Wolves just off his second passing attempt. Without the passing game the Rebels were out of options and continued to run the ball through Junior running back Charles Williams as he had 19 rushing attempts for 168-yards and one touchdown. 

Late in the fourth quarter, Freshman quarterback Kenyon Oblad patiently waited for his time to get subbed into the game as he threw his first touchdown to Sophomore wide receiver Randal Grimes, who received his first touchdown as well. 

The inadequate performance in just the second game of the season has opened the coach's eyes as they are encouraging the younger players to challenge the vets on the team. The fans could see a change at quarterback in the next week as a battle has surfaced after the second game with Oblad proven that he can fulfill what is needed at the position. 

“We have to find some rhythm in the passing game, we can not rely on handing the ball off just over and over, but the thing that frustrates me is the accuracy,” Coach Sanchez said. “Too many balls hitting the dirt and too many getting thrown below the knees, we do have to do a better job in our game plan as well.” 

In the next few days the Rebels will analyze film and digest the mistakes and miscommunications and then proceed into practice with players' jobs on the line. This solution could be the answer the Rebels have been looking for with their bowl eligibility aspirations still at reach. 

The Rebels (1-1) will be on the road to face off against Northwestern (0-1) next Saturday at 12:30 p.m. as they look to bounce back from a huge loss at home.