Three Things We Learned: UNLV

Please Don’t Waste This Defense

UNLV had 18 plays for 18 yards in the first half. Read that again. The Runnin’ Rebels were running all over the field for just one yard per play. The Iowa State defense did it in a way that we have seen before, stop the run early, bring pressure increasingly more throughout the game. This strategy, once again held UNLV to just three points and 130 yards of offense over the course of the game.

Through three games, the defense has held opponents to just 11 points per game and 192.7 yards per contest, which is top in the country. Iowa State’s defense is too good and will keep them in every single game, the offense and special teams have to continue to improve and not screw it up.

WE CAN KICK?!

ANDREW MEVIS MADE A 54-YARD FIELD. I REPEAT, A 54-YARD FIELD GOAL. Granted, Iowa State was leading by 35 points and they were in a dome but STILL. Mevis and Conor Assalley combined to go 6/6 on extra points. Let’s not overreact, but that was a kicking clinic out of our boys from Ames. Now, just do it outside and in a game that matters.

A Start for the Offense

The offense looked good, not great against one of the worst teams in FBS. Still, it’s better than the offense not showing up.

Brock Purdy seemed to be in more of a rhythm, completing 87.5% of his passes for three touchdowns. His fumble was inexcusable, but if you ignore it, he had a good day. Breece Hall reached 100 yards for the first time all season and added two more touchdowns onto his season total. Xavier Hutchinson was the stand-out with 10 receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns.

It’s just a start, but hopefully, it’s the start of a consistently efficient offense.