UNLV defense 'making people earn what they get'

UNLV defense 'making people earn what they get'

UNLV Rebels defensive lineman Sonny Sanitoa (93) and the rest of the UNLV defense tackle Northern Illinois tailback Keith Harris Jr. (20) during their NCAA Football game at Husky Stadium in Dekalb, Ill. on Saturday Sept. 5, 2014. Josh Holmberg/Las Vegas Review-JournalJust by themselves, the numbers aren't anything to brag about.

When talking about UNLV's defense, however, the statistics can't be judged in a vacuum. Context is crucial.

This is a defense that has gone from can't-stop-anyone downright awful to one that isn't an impenetrable wall but isn't near the sieve it was last football season.

UNLV has allowed 34.3 points per game, tied for…