So far, so good: UNLV football’s defense ready to tackle next big challenge

DENTON, Texas — Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther emphasizes the same fundamentals each early week of a season: how his players execute tackling under his guidance. He draws on nearly two decades of NFL experience to shape that focus. “That’s wherefore we enactment connected tackling each day,” Guenther said. “That’s wherefore I’ve ever said you volition spot kickoff and punt returns spell for touchdowns those archetypal fewer weeks due to the fact that you haven’t had a accidental to bash overmuch unrecorded tackling successful practice. “For the astir part, our guys person done a truly bully occupation with it.” He added that the unit must continue to improve in that area. The Rebels face North Texas on Saturday, a Mean Green squad that outgained defending national champion Indiana 367 yards to 365 the previous week. Although the Hoosiers won that contest 52‑16, North Texas still produced 152 rushing yards compared to Indiana’s 134, marking the first time in the Curt Cignetti era that Indiana surrendered more rushing yards to a non‑Power 4 opponent. Communication has become a point of emphasis for the UNLV defense over the first two games. Safety Jake Pope noted the progress. “Just the mode we’re communicating and flying around, I deliberation we’re much item oriented than past year,” information Jake Pope said. “We’re much accordant with our plays and spread schemes and coverages. The (Hawaii game) was a large feeling and thing we tin physique disconnected of. “With (North Texas), we conscionable request to cognize their pre-snap program and what they’re astir to do. Watching film. Preparing the close way. They person large players and truthful bash we. We’re going to spell retired determination and enactment it connected them.” Pope pointed out that limiting Hawaii’s high‑powered offense to six points—especially on the ground—showed the unit was doing things correctly. The Rebels recorded five sacks and consistently pressured quarterback Micah Alejado