Caleb Herring Named Starter At Quarterback For UNLV

Head Coach Bobby Hauck made it official on Saturday, following UNLV's scrimmage, that Sophomore Caleb Herring would be the man under center for the Rebels when UNLV travels to Wisconsin next Thursday for the season opener.

For those of you who have been following UNLV's Fall Camp, this doesn't come as much of a surprise. Herring was the leader by a close margin heading into camp over JUCO transfer Sean Reilly heading into camp, but that margin widened before the Rebels even left for Ely.

When Hauck was asked why Herring was made the starter, here was his reaction:

"Caleb just played better," Hauck said. "He has a better grasp of what is going on and a great handle on the offense. He has done a nice job in camp so far."

He definitely played better in the scrimmage, going 5-5 for 74 yards and a touchdown pass as well as rushing for 18 yards on two carries. On the flip side, Reilly went 1-5 on his first drive, overthrowing what would have been a 32 yard touchdown pass to a wide open Taylor Mays, and then throwing a pick in the endzone two tries later.

In my opinion, this is the right choice for the Rebels. Reilly is more of a dual-threat quarterback while Herring is a pocket passer who is more suited to Hauck's offensive style. Not only does he fit the style better, but he has the better arm and decision making of the two quarterbacks.

Unfortunately for Herring, he'll have to make his first start in a terribly hostile environment in Madison. Wisconsin is ranked 10th to start the season and it doesn't help that he'll be on ESPN for the first college football game of the season.

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