The UNLV Rebels have struggled since finishing 6-6 in 2003. They have not finished .500 or better since that season.

But the Rebels are starting to show some signs of life, as they have come close to bowl eligibility the last two seasons. Last year the Rebels finished 6-6 overall (3-5 in the Mountain West Conference).

The Rebels enter the 2010 season under new head coach Bobby Hauck, who was brought in to replace Mike Sanford.

They return 15 starters for the upcoming season, but it's likely that this team will struggle again while it learns new schemes. The rebels also have a tougher schedule than they did a year ago.

Here is a quick breakdown of what the Rebels will send to the field this season, plus my thoughts on where they finish the year in the MWC.

 

Offense

The Rebels will more than likely go with senior quarterback Omar Clayton.

Clayton has a ton of experience under his belt, with 23 starts under center for the Rebels. Last season, Clayton completed 60 percent of his attempts for 2,230 yards and 13 touchdowns.

However, he turned the ball over a little more than you would like to see with 12 interceptions.

Additionally, UNLV returns two running backs capable of getting the job done: senior Channing Trottoer and junior CJ Cox.

Last year Trotter led the Rebels with 541 yards and nine touchdowns, while Cox contributed just 173 and one score because he was banged up for most of the season.

The Rebels also get some help in the ground attack from the quarterback position, as Clayton and backup Mike Clausen ran for 526 yards and 10 touchdowns combined.

At wide receiver, the Rebels will have to replace their top threat from last season, Ryan Wolfe, who led the all receivers with 74 catches for 760 yards.

They do return some talent this season in starters Phillip Payne and Michael Johnson (both juniors).

Payne actually led the Rebels in touchdown receptions last year with seven. Sophomore Mark Barefield is the likely candidate to step in for Wolfe at receiver, while his fellow sophomore Jordan Barret is expected to take over at tight end.

The Rebels figure to be strong up front, returning four starters from the 2009 season. Senior tackles Evan Marchal and Matt Murphy are both solid on the outside, and senior center John Gianninoto is pretty good in the interior.

The only change for this unit will come at right guard, where redshirt freshman Sean Tesoro looks to be the man to step in and start. Overall this is one of the top units in the MWC.

 

Defense

The Rebels have not been very good on this side of the ball over the years. In 2009, the Rebels gave up nearly 34 points a game.

But they have seven starters returning this season, so there is some hope that they can improve on this side of the ball.

UNLV returns both starters at defensive tackle this season in seniors Ramsey Feagai and Isaako Aaitui, and it is crucial that they improve this season.

The Rebels were absolutely horrible against the run last season, giving up 221 yards a game.

Therefore, they will need to find two new starters at defensive end for the 2010 season, and heading into the Fall, it looks like it will be junior B.J. Bell and senior Preston Brooks.

The Rebels also bring back some experience at the linebacker position this season.

Senior middle linebacker Ronnie Paulo and senior weak-side linebacker Starr Fuimaono both return.

The change for this unit will come at the strong-side linebacker spot, where junior Chris Jones is expected to step in after starting just eight games over the last two years.

They have four starters back in the secondary this season, including both starting corners: senior Quinton Pointer and junior Will Chandler.

Pointer is the leading tackler back for the Rebels, as he finished the season with 72 tackles and two sacks.

Senior Mike Grant returns at strong safety, and it looks as though senior Alex De Giacomo will start at free safety.

 

MWC Prediction: Seventh

While the Rebels figure to be more competitive this season, it is going to be hard for this team to show big improvements in the win loss column with the schedule they have.

They must play Wisconsin and West Virginia in non-conference play.

When all is said and done, I think the Rebels finish the 2010 season at 6-6.

For a complete look at how the MWC will finish up this season, check out our 2010 MWC predictions.

If you plan on betting the college football odds this season, be sure to stop back each week for our expert college football picks.