Confidence boost: Return of Armani suits UNLV well
Rogers expected back as team faces tough month
Quarterback Armani Rogers returned to practice Monday, rare good news for UNLV as the Rebels are mired in a five-game losing streak and preparing to play perhaps the Mountain West’s best team, and athletic director Desiree Reed-francois is being asked her opinion on the state of the program.
It’s a lot coming at once for the Rebels (2-6, 0-4 MW), who play No. 20 Fresno State (7-1, 4-0) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium. The Bulldogs are 25-point favorites in a game that will be televised by CBS Sports Network.
Coach Tony Sanchez said lack of confidence could be an issue for some players, but that most remained committed to finishing the season strong.
“You can go to work or not work, and Armani, to me, there is no choice in that, and I believe in our team and kids,” he said. “They do a really good job of coming in and shaking things off and moving forward. They know what we’re dealing with.”
Reed-francois was asked after Saturday’s 50-37 loss at San Jose State about the direction of the program under Sanchez, now in his fourth season. She said the program would be evaluated after the season.
“I don’t think she could be any more supportive, but she does have a job to do, and a tough job to reflect and look at the entire program and how it’s doing, just like I have a tough job to do every single day,” Sanchez said. “You’ve got to come in and fight through things, and you’ve got to holistically look at the big picture in building this program.”
UNLV enters a tough final month. After facing Fresno State, the Rebels visit San Diego State and Hawaii, then return home for the regular-season finale against UNR. The four teams are a combined 24-11.
The Rebels are getting closer to regaining Rogers, who suffered a toe injury Sept. 22 at Arkansas State. His left foot was out of the walking boot last week, and he threw in practice Monday.
“We’re not going to rush it,” Sanchez said. “We’re going to make sure everything is good and stable, but it’s the first time he’s had his helmet on and been at practice.”