UNLV Rebels running back Xzaviar Campbell (35) jumps over Idaho State Bengals defensive back Erik Collins (8) while rushing the ball in the first half of their NCAA Football game against Idaho State at Sam Boyd Stadium in Henderson Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review-Journal
When Tony Sanchez took the UNLV football coaching job in December, he made clear he would run a power offense that relied heavily on the run.
His hire as offensive coordinator, Barney Cotton, brought that same philosophy from Nebraska, where the Cornhuskers regularly had physical run games — top 20 nationally the past five seasons — and together they would work to mold the Rebels into that image.