<div><p> EditorÕs note: UNLV coaches are looking to answer several questions while the Rebels football team practices in Ely. Reporter Ryan Greene counts down these burning questions through Wednesday. Question No. 3: Can the offensive line go from solid to dominant?</p><p>ELY — Let UNLVÕs offensive line stand as proof that sushi leads to better blocking.</p><p>The most experienced unit on the RebelsÕ roster each week finds its way to Sushi Factory in Henderson, where the beefy linemen chow down on all-you-can-eat sushi.</p><p>ÒOh, they love us,Ó junior right tackle Evan Marchal said with a grin.</p><p>This weekly sushi binge is one way the group has developed a bond.</p><p>Communication is key on the offensive line as opposing defenses try to disrupt UNLVÕs spread offense with all kinds of blitzes and bluffs.</p><p>ÒThereÕs a lot of communication that goes on in that group, and they need to work together, because thereÕs a lot of bullets flying around and they have to work together,Ó head coach Mike Sanford said.</p><p>Four of last seasonÕs starters up front return — Marchal, senior right guard Joe Hawley, junior left tackle Matt Murphy and junior center John Gianninoto. The only departure was Johan Asiata, who is in training camp with the Chicago Bears.</p><p>The veterans spend most of their time together. Gianninoto, Marchal and Hawley share an apartment. Murphy lives in the same complex, just a few doors down.</p><p>ÒIf you donÕt hang out with the person, then youÕre not open to communicate as well as we are,Ó Marchal said. ÒSince we do everything together, we have nothing to hide, nothing to fear.Ó</p><p>ÒWe go out to dinner, we carpool everywhere, because weÕre smart like that,Ó Murphy said. ÒWe do get in each otherÕs faces sometimes, but itÕs all good-hearted, to make sure youÕre on the straight, doing the right thing.Ó</p><p>The incumbents have made sure the lineÕs only newcomer, redshirt freshman guard Sean Tesoro, is part of all group functions — sushi included.</p><p>ÒWe have really good kids,Ó offensive line coach Gary Bernardi said. ÒIf we can keep up health-wise, I think weÕre gonna have a chance to be a pretty good group.</p><p>ÒThatÕs the one thing that weÕre trying to get accomplished. We want to become a dominant offensive line. We were a good, consistent offensive lineÓ in 2008.</p><p>The consistency could be seen in last seasonÕs numbers — at least in the passing game.</p><p>The RebelsÕ offensive line surrendered just 14 sacks last season — 15th-best in the nation. The line gave quarterback Omar Clayton enough time in the pocket to become the nationÕs 29th-highest-rated passer, throwing only four interceptions in 258 pass attempts.</p><p>The UNLV line also has set a goal to become run blockers. The Rebels picked up 1,460 rushing yards on 404 attempts — only 91st out of 119 teams in Division I.</p><p>Ryan Greene can be reached at 948-7844 or at ryan.greene@lasvegassun.com.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=57063905&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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