Arizona vs. UNLV: Three keys to succeeding in Las Vegas

The Arizona Wildcats take on the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium tonight on CBS Sports Network.

While Arizona should come away with a win, weird things do happen sometimes.  So here's how to succeed in Sin City this week for the Cats.

1. Hit me

The obvious issue for Arizona this week is the size of the Rebels.  It's going to be super important to tackle well, and tackle often.  Running back Tim Cornett and quarterback Nick Sherry are massive compared to NAU's Zach Bauman and Kyren Poe.  Tackle, tackle, tackle.

Also along with this is a much-needed improvement from the offensive line this week.  Their performance from last week was described as "average" from the coaching staff, and they've said that they were just leaning on guys.  Gotta dig into people and create holes for the backs and allow more time for Denker to go through his progressions.

2. All You Can Eat

This is really run as many plays as possible.  Last week, the Cats only ran 47 plays on offense the entire game.  Ten of those plays happened in the first four minutes, which ended with that nice touchdown pass from B.J. Denker to Daniel Jenkins.  I get the feeling that if Arizona only runs 47 plays this week, especially with the way UNLV's offense works, a win will not be coming back to Tucson.

3. Rolling 7s

Denker should have a little more of the playbook opened up for him this week, which may show everyone if he can make the throws he needs to make down the field.  There is a 20-30% chance of rain in Vegas tonight though, and I think that's something that everyone forgot about last week.  If it's raining, there's no reason to make B.J. air it out and risk the ball slipping out of his hands.  Also, with Ka'Deem Carey back in the lineup this week, expect a lot more two back sets, and a lot less short runs from Denker.

And Denker really needs to throw a touchdown pass to Garic Wharton tonight.  It would be great for that guy to get a TD reception in front of his friends and family.