Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006 | 7:20 a.m.
The UNLV football team struggled to its third consecutive two-win season in 2006, but it capped a disappointing 2-10 campaign with a 42-39 upset of Air Force on Friday in which the Rebels amassed 555 yards of offense.
That, coupled with the fact that 16 starters in that game were underclassmen, gives head coach Mike Sanford reason for optimism as he prepares for his third season in Las Vegas.
"I'm excited about next year already," Sanford said. "Our freshmen and sophomores are good football players, and I'm excited about the future because of what we have in our young group of players."
4-19
UNLV's record in two seasons under head coach Mike Sanford
108
UNLV's national ranking in rushing offense, with an average of 89.50 yards per game
35
UNLV's national ranking (among 119 Division I-A teams) in passing offense, with 227.3 yards per game
6
UNLV punter Kip Pacer's national ranking, with a 45.17 yard-per-punt average
519
Sophomore David Peeples' team-leading rushing yards this season
75
UNLV's longest scoring pass in 2006, from Shane Steichen to wide receiver Ryan Wolfe in a 39-36 overtime loss to New Mexico
9
Number of games in which UNLV rushed for fewer than 100 yards
7
Games in which UNLV allowed 30 or more points this season
67
Percentage of times UNLV scored inside the red zone
105-27
The margin by which UNLV was outscored in the first quarter this season
115,442
UNLV's announced home attendance - an average of 19,240 per game for six home games (93rd among Division I-A teams)
5
Games junior linebacker Beau Bell missed with an ankle sprain. Bell was leading the Mountain West Conference in tackles per game (10.9) when he was injured against BYU
1
Sophomore defensive end Jeremy Geathers' conference ranking in sacks per game (.50). He also ranked second in tackles for loss and fumbles forced per game
2000
The last time UNLV's defense recorded a shutout (Sept. 16, 2000, at home against North Texas)
111
UNLV's national ranking in turnover margin (18 turnovers gained, 29 lost)
2,148
Sophomore quarterback Rocky Hinds' passing yardage this season - the most by a UNLV quarterback since Jon Denton passed for 2,586 yards in 1997
0-9
The Rebels' record in games in which they rushed for fewer than 100 yards
67
Sophomore wide receiver Casey Flair's conference-leading receptions total
911
Wide receiver Ryan Wolfe's conference-leading receiving yardage, which also is a MWC record for a freshman
52
Sergio Aguayo's longest field goal this season
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