Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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46 OCT. 22, 2022 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED GAME PREVIEW: UNLV more flash and promise than they were earlier this season, sophomore Jayden Thomas being the most recent and notable. But it remains an under-per- forming unit overall in a passing attack that ranked only 95th nationally at 219.8 yards per game last week, a ranking that we'll forgive with the bal- anced offense Notre Dame is demonstrating. One notable item in this category: UNLV had already recorded 11 interceptions through six games, which was the second most in the coun- try. Remarkably, while Notre Dame had only one defensive interception as a team through games of last week, UNLV had five individual players with at least 2 picks. Sophomore defensive back Cameron Oliver paced the Rebels with 3 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns. Additionally, UNLV ranks 24th nationally and sec- ond in the MWC with 2.67 sacks per game. Ajiake and Plant Jr., lead the Rebels with 3 sacks apiece. Advantage: Notre Dame SPECIAL TEAMS Through five games, Notre Dame still hadn't pro- vided much to get excited or concerned about in these units. It ranked 95th in punt return defense, 46th in punt returns, 109th in kickoff returns and 45th in kickoff return defense. The highlight for Notre Dame among these units has been graduate student punter Jon Sot. After two booming punts against BYU that averaged 56.5 yards, the Harvard transfer moved to No. 3 in the country with a 46.6 punting average. Like Notre Dame, UNLV doesn't provide much of note in these categories, other than in its place- kicking game. The Rebels have not blocked a kick but had one blocked during its 4-2 start, and they haven't allowed or scored a touchdown on any return. Super senior placekicker Daniel Gutierrez has been terrific for the Rebels this season, converting all 6 of his field goal tries through six games, with a long of 50 yards. A Lou Groza Award semifinalist last year, Gutierrez has made 22 of 24 field goals dating back to the start of last season. Advantage: Even COACHING The jury remains out on Freeman, though the first-year skipper was trending upward with three consecutive wins to rebound from an 0-2 start this season. The loss at home Marshall Sept. 10 — which subsequently was beaten by Bowling Green and Troy — remains tough to dismiss. But with changed messaging and improving offensive and defen- sive lines, Freeman looks to have stabilized his program. UNLV head coach Marcus Arroyo has made great strides with his 2022 team after compiling only a 2-16 record during his first two seasons in Las Vegas. He hit the transfer portal hard this pre- season to fortify some trouble spots, and his work is paying off. The UNLV head coach also brought in two new coordinators to boost fortunes — Nick Holz on of- fense and Keith Heyward on defense — and those additions appear to be paying quick dividends. Having a new state-of-the-art practice facility to sell along with an opportunity to play at Allegiant Stadium — home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders — are aiding Arroyo's recruitment of both portal and high school players. Advantage: Even INTANGIBLES Through five games, the Irish have scored 10 points off only 2 takeaways and rank tied for 112th in the nation with a minus-0.80 turnover margin. UNLV plays with a reckless style that has lent it- self to multiple ill-timed penalties. Through its 4-2 start, the Rebels were averaging 71.3 penalty yards a game, which situated them No. 115 nationally. Where UNLV has excelled is in the turnover cat- egories. It headed into its game against Air Force Oct. 15 with 12 takeaways and only 4 giveaways. Its plus-1.33 turnover margin ranked tied for No. 9 nationally, a big difference from where the Irish stand in this category. UNLV averaged a respectable 32.7 points scored and 25.3 points allowed through six games, even after the 40-7 blowout loss to San Jose State. Becoming bowl eligible is the goal for Arroyo and UNLV this season. Achieving that mission would be impressive for a program that's reached six wins only once in the last 18 seasons. UNLV hasn't been to a bowl game since 2014 and it hasn't won one since 2000. Advantage: Notre Dame Super senior kicker Daniel Gutierrez, a Lou Groza Award semifinalist last year, boasts a career field goal percentage of 84.3 (43 of 51). PHOTO COURTESY UNLV