July 30, 2004
LAS VEGAS -
An astonishing eight of UNLV's 11 2004 football opponents received at least one vote in the USA TODAY/ESPN Preseason Coaches Poll, which was released Friday.
In fact, three of the Rebels six road opponents are members of the preseason top 25. If the rankings hold into the fall, the program will be facing its toughest schedule in school history. UNLV has never played more than two ranked opponents in an entire season, let alone on the road. The Rebels have only tangled with as many as two ranked teams in one year in 2002, 2001 and 1996 (both road games).
UNLV will open the year by traveling to face No. 14 Tennessee on a special Sunday night game on Sept. 5. Just six days later, the Rebels will be in Madison to face No. 22 Wisconsin, the site of the team's stunning 23-5 upset of the Badgers last fall. In fact, UNLV has won two consecutive games playing at ranked opponents. The other was at then-No. 13 Colorado State to close the 2002 season.
Rounding out the toughest road slate in Rebel history is a trip to Salt Lake City on Oct. 23. There UNLV will face league-rival Utah, which is ranked 21st, looking for its first victory over the Utes since 1979.
Five other Mountain West Conference schools received at least one vote in the poll: BYU (21 points), San Diego State (8 points), Colorado State (7 points) and Air Force and New Mexico (1 point apiece).
UNLV opens its home schedule vs. Air Force on Sept. 18 at Sam Boyd Stadium. Season tickets are available now by calling 739-FANS.
