Aug. 29, 2004

LAS VEGAS - Fifth-year senior Kurt Nantkes will be UNLV's starting quarterback, including next week's game at No. 14 Tennessee, head coach John Robinson announced Sunday. "Kurt Nantkes will be our starting quarterback," Robinson said. "Both he and (sophomore) Shane Steichen had extremely impressive camps and both are prepared to play effectively in this offense. The competition was great but Kurt will be our starter and Shane should see action in every game." Robinson stressed that the coaching staff will not be disclosing when and how Steichen will fit into each week's game plan. Nantkes started the first 10 games of 2003 but was slowed by a groin injury late in the year. Steichen started the last two games but Nantkes came off the bench to lead the Rebels to a victory at Wyoming to close the season. UNLV opens the year in Knoxville on a special Sunday night game (5 p.m. PDT) on national television, via ESPN2. The Rebels open their home schedule on Sept. 18 vs. Air Force at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now by calling 739-FANS.