UNLV needs its wide receivers to step up

In UNLV’s weekly press conference, coach Tony Sanchez spent the majority of the time talking about last week's loss to Central Michigan. In answering questions, the coach harped on a few items, but his main focus was on the receivers.

With nine drops in total, three coming from star wide receiver Devonte Boyd, coach Sanchez stated that the unit as a whole will need to step it up this week against Idaho. But it wasn’t all on the receivers either, Sanchez also pointed out that quarterback Johnny Stanton missed some reads and conceded that that played a role in the offense’s poor showing.

Putting the offensive woes to the side, Sanchez also talked about the defensive issues as well, pointing towards communication errors being the biggest pitfall for the unit as a whole.

As for this week’s game, Sanchez said that it’ll be nice to finally be back home after being on the road for two weeks, but pointed out that it is important for the team to get the win and even up their record as they prepare to enter conference play (the team opens conference play next week at home against Fresno State).

On the injury front, quarterback Kurt Palandech has been upgraded to #2 on the depth chart as he continues to heal from a shoulder injury. Asked if he planned to immerse Palandech into the game plan this week, Sanchez said that there was no plan, and Kurt would only play if there is an emergency.

Wide receiver Brandon Presley is still out as he nurses a foot injury, and defensive back Evan Austrie is out with a dislocated shoulder, an injury that occurred during last week’s game. It is yet to be determined if he will need season ending surgery.

You can watch the full Press conference below: