Rebels' Young Nucleus Sows Optimism For '03

Nantkes, Croom, Johnson emerge in win over Colorado State.

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Dec. 2, 2002

By Mark Anderson
Las Vegas Review-Journal

LAS VEGAS - Probably the best news to come out of UNLV's season-ending upset of Colorado State was the strong performances of players who will return next year.

Led by sophomore quarterback Kurt Nantkes, junior tailback Larry Croom and sophomore wide receiver Earvin Johnson, the Rebels' 36-33 victory featured major contributions from players who should be integral in 2003.

"Yeah, I noted that," UNLV coach John Robinson said.

For a team that struggled most of the season and finished 5-7 (3-4 Mountain West), at least the season finale produces signs of hope.

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