Rebels will try to run with big dogs Ohio State

Posted September 21, 2017 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

UNLV (1-1) at No. 10 Ohio State (2-1), Saturday, Noon ET (BTN)

Line: Ohio State by 40

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Ohio State continues its redemption games after losing to Oklahoma in week two. QB J.T. Barrett and the Buckeyes offense showed improvement against a less-talented Army defense last week. They could get even less of a test against UNLV, which was the victim of a stunning upset by Howard in its opener but bounced back against Idaho before a bye week. The Mountain West team will just try to look respectable. The Buckeyes will just try not to get anybody hurt.

KEY MATCHUP

UNLV RB Lexington Thomas against the Ohio State defensive line. Thomas is one of the Rebels' most potent offensive weapons, rushing for 190 yards and three touchdowns against Idaho and 151 yards and a pair of scores the previous week. With one of the best defensive lines in the nation, the Buckeyes specialize in stuffing the run.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UNLV: QB Armani Rogers. The sturdy (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) redshirt freshman is fast and accurate, and is getting more comfortable in coach Tony Sanchez's system. He was 10 for 16 for 193 yards, a touchdown and an interception against Idaho. He's been hyped as a guy who can help lead the resurgence of UNLV football.

Ohio State: RB J.K. Dobbins continues to impress, rolling for 172 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns last week against Army. With running back Mike Weber's hamstring still acting up, Dobbins likely will have a huge game against UNLV.

FACTS & FIGURES

Ohio State LB Chris Worley, who suffered a sprained foot against Army, is questionable for the game. Tuf Borland will play in his place if he can't go .... Backup QB Joe Burrow has been cleared to play after breaking his hand during practice earlier in the season. ... Ohio State WR Johnnie Dixon has been slowed by a pulled hamstring. ... Rogers is the 11th different starting quarterback at UNLV in the last 14 years. ... QB J.T. Barrett needs 94 yards to move into second place on Ohio State's all-time passing yardage list. Joe Germaine is the leader ... The Rebels have lost eight of their last 10 road games.

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