A former USC coach and a former USC quarterback will lead UNLV when they take on Iowa State in Ames tomorrow. UNLV coach John Robinson served two stints at the USC coach and quarterback Jason Thomas began his career there before transferring to UNLV. Thomas was highly recruited out of high school, but Cyclone Coach Dan McCarney doesn’t remember making a run at him.Thomas is 6-4 and weighs 240 pounds. Some say he resembles Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Dante Culpepper, but McCarney hopes the comparison isn’t accurate.McCarney says they don’t know a lot about what the Runnin’ Rebels will do since this will be their season opener. Iowa State used a lot offensive linemen in last week’s win over Ohio. McCarney wants to keep the rotation going.McCarney says the Cyclone’s improved depth is especially evident in the backfield.McCarney wants whoever is in the game — starters or back ups — to do a better job of scoring when the defense creates turnovers.Kickoff for Saturday’s game at Jack Trice Stadium is one p-m.