UNLV
Rebels

UNLV ranks 111th nationally in run defense, allowing an average of 211.2 yards per game, including 559 in one game against Nevada earlier this season. Air Force, meanwhile, averages 264.0 yards per game rushing.

Although it seems like a horrible matchup for Mike Sanford's squad on paper, his players say they are excited about the challenge.

"We know our backs are up against the wall," senior safety Marquel Martin said. "We just have to fight back. We all know as a team what we are capable of."

"I enjoy it," senior linebacker Jason Beauchamp said of the pressure that comes with playing another must-win game. "For me, it's not pressure. It's football. This is what we do. Just to be healthy and playing again and doing what I love is just exciting."

SERIES HISTORY: Air Force leads UNLV 10-4 (last meeting, 2008, 29-28 Air Force).

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Junior QB Omar Clayton, hampered earlier in the season by knee and shoulder injuries, is healthy again and his numbers show it. Clayton, who threw nine interceptions in UNLV's first six games, has not thrown a pick in his last three games. He'll need to continue that efficiency against an Air Force defense that ranks No. 1 in the nation in pass defense, allowing an average of just 127.2 yards per game and has racked up 11 interceptions. UNLV ranks fourth nationally in third-down conversions (70 of 140, 50.0 percent), a stat that will be put to the test by a stout Air Force defense that is allowing just 12.9 points per game.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: This looks like a classic mismatch on paper. Air Force enters the game ranked No. 4 in the nation in rushing offense with an average of 264.0 yards per game while UNLV ranks last in the MWC and 111th in the nation in run defense, allowing an average of 211.2 yards per game. The Rebels struggled badly against Nevada's read-option attack early this season when the Wolf Pack rolled up an astonishing 559 yards on the ground. UNLV is solid in the interior with big tackles Martin Tevaseu (6-2, 335) and Isaako Aaitui (6-3, 305) but has struggled badly on the edge trying to stop the run.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We have to stay on the steady path. It's a one-game season for us. We are not going to look past anything." -- UNLV senior LB Jason Beauchamp on the 4-6 Rebels' quest to become bowl eligible.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

LB Jason Beauchamp -- The 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior, who led the Mountain West in tackles with 127 as a junior, had a season-high 14 tackles in last week's win over Colorado State and ranks fourth in the MWC in sacks with 5.5.

DEs Heivaha Mafi and Malo Taumua -- UNLV's edge defense has struggled badly against the run. This duo figures to be challenged early and often by Air Force's triple option.

QB Omar Clayton -- Goes up against the nation's No. 1 pass defense. He has hasn't thrown an interception in three games and needs to continue to be efficient against an Air Force defense that has forced 24 turnovers.

ROSTER REPORT:

--DE Heivaha Mafi has a small broken bone in his left wrist but is scheduled to start. Mafi played with a soft cast in last week's 35-16 win over Colorado State and had four tackles. "He played really well for us," UNLV head coach Mike Sanford said.

--MLB Ronnie Paulo (knee) is questionable.