Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Ex-Rebel coach Hauck brings something special to Aztecs’ special teams

UNLV Faces San Diego State Football

L.E. Baskow

Former UNLV head coach Bobby Hauck returns to Sam Boyd Stadium as the San Diego State special teams coach for their game on Friday, November 21, 2015.

One of the most highly anticipated seasons in San Diego State history begins on Sept. 3 when the Aztecs host New Hampshire in a 5:30 p.m. game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Union-Tribune looks at a person, place and thing each day in the Countdown to Kickoff:

PERSON: Bobby Hauck

San Diego State's special teams play took a hug step forward last season after Hauck was hired as the special teams coordinator.

SDSU's special teams ranked 79.3 nationally over the six seasons prior to Hauck's arrival, but ranked No. 23 in the nation in 2015, according to ESPN. That included a kickoff return team that ranked second in the nation and a punt coverage team ranked No. 27.

Hauck has supervised special teams in 23 of his 24 seasons as a coach, which means they've been important enough to him to handle the responsibilities even when he served as a head coach at Montana (2003-09) and UNLV (2010-14). Hauck, 52, was promoted to associate head coach in February, two weeks after being named Mountain West Recruiter of the Year.

PLACE: UNLV

SDSU clinched the West Division and a berth in the 2015 Mountain West Championship Game last season before it took the field in Las Vegas to play UNLV. That did nothing to diminish the Aztecs' on-field performance — a 52-14 win over the Rebels. It was the most points scored on the road by the Aztecs since a 55-21 win at San Jose State in 1969. The Rebels travel to San Diego this year, the teams opening conference play in Week 5. UNLV should be improved this season, but a preseason media poll still tabbed the Rebels for fifth place in the West Division. Wide receiver Devonte Boyd is the Rebels' most talented offensive player. The question is who will be throwing the ball to him. The quarterback battle between Johnny Stanton and Kurt Palandech could extend into the season before coach Tony Sanchez names a starter. UNLV's defense should be improved, although there's nowhere to go but up. The Rebels were last in total defense in the MW last season, giving up 457.3 yards a game.

THING: Pop quiz answers

By popular demand (OK, one person asked), here are the answers to Tuesday's pop quiz given to SDSU's special teams players:

Q. What is the penalty for the rush team lining up or jumping offsides on a punt or field goal? What are the consequences on fourth and short?

A. Five yards and a first down, allowing the kicking team to maintain possession instead of punting or continue a drive toward the end zone rather than settling for a field goal attempt.

Q. If a punt or kick is blocked and the ball comes down and stays behind the line of scrimmage, how should it be treated? What could happen?

A. It's a live ball and either team can advance it.

Q. Our opponent's 300-pound snapper is covering a punt, the best way to block him would be to cut him. Yes or no?

A. No. There is no blocking below the waist on any change of possession, including kicks.

Q. What is the penalty for roughing the kicker? What is your aiming point when rushing a punt or kick?

A. It's a personal foul, 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down.

Q. What is the penalty for excessive celebration when scoring a touchdown? When can it be enforced? What are the ramifications for our team?

A. Penalty is 15 yards from the spot of the foul. If it happens in the end zone, then it is enforced on the PAT or the kickoff. If it happens in the field off play, it's from the spot of the foul.

Test your knowledge. Feel free to post your answers and see how you stack up against the Aztecs players. Word of warning: Special teams coach Bobby Hauck does not grade on a curve.

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