Patton Is a Bigger Hit at UNLV

Only a few years ago, the best defensive player on Nevada Las Vegas’ football team was concentrating on hitting the ball, not the ballcarrier.

Linebacker Scott Patton played three minor league seasons as an outfielder in the Chicago White Sox organization, rubbing elbows briefly with Michael Jordan before quitting to return to college.

Patton--who went to Capistrano Valley High School and later Saddleback College--was hitting .300 with Class A Hickory (N.C.) when he quit in 1994 because he didn’t like the minor league grind and wasn’t on the fast track to the majors.

That decision proved to be a boon for UNLV. Patton, a senior who turns 24 next week, returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown against Illinois State last week. He also has 58 tackles in only four games after finishing with 81 last year in his first season at UNLV.

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USC’s much-anticipated decision on which kicker will handle field-goal and extra-point duties won’t be made until today. Adam Rendon was given a chance to challenge Adam Abrams in practice this week after Abrams missed a field goal and an extra point against California. . . . Rome Douglas will start at left offensive tackle after Phalen Pounds missed practices because of a strained shoulder, but Pounds also is expected to play. . . . UNLV starting defensive end Roderick Jones is one of three Rebel players serving a two-game suspension for breaking an unspecified team rule. The other suspended players are reserve cornerback Shaun Haslip from Pasadena Muir High, who is the younger brother of USC cornerback Ken Haslip, and reserve linebacker Bret Gilbert. . . . A crowd in the mid-50,000 range is expected at the Coliseum.

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WHO: Nevada Las Vegas

WHERE: Coliseum

WHEN: 7:10 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports West 2

RADIO: KLSX-FM (97.1)