NFL
By: Brock Vierra
UNLV football wasted no time putting away Utah State last Friday, winning in Logan 50-34. The Rebels had the game wrapped up by the first half, entering the locker room up 41-7. A big day offensively, the Rebels put up over 500 yards of total offense through their perfect blend of passing and running plays alongside making defenses hesitate with play action and RPOs. Hajj-Malik Williams continues to dazzle with nine touchdowns and only one interception thrown on the season as Ricky White notched another 100+ yard game.
While Utah State may not be the creme de la creme of the Mountain West, UNLV had something to prove, especially after their heartbreaking loss to Syracuse just the week prior. While the College Football Playoff remains the top priority, the win against the Aggies sets up a winner-take-all matchup against Boise State at home for first place in the Mountain West. For UNLV, this game is extra special as it’s a rematch of the 2023 Mountain West championship game where UNLV lost to the Broncos at Allegiant. However, that will have to wait as the Rebels are set to face their fourth non-power 5 team this season in Oregon State.
Oregon State has had a rough year so far, failing to make up the losses of head coach Jonathan Smith and star running back Damien Martinez. Despite Corvallis having a reputation as one of the most difficult places to play in the country, Oregon blew the Beavers out 49-19. They also had close games against Colorado State and Purdue, teams that are not on the same level as UNLV.
UNLV should steamroll Oregon State
Oregon State does not have the defensive identity it once had under Jonathan Smith and after the Beavers’ 42-37 loss to the Nevada Wolfpack in Reno, Oregon State is a team with no confidence. While Nevada is much improved this year and has played teams close, they’re 3-4 and outside of Oregon State, their other wins are against 1-6 Troy and FCS Eastern Washington who is 2-4.
UNLV’s offense can not be stopped right now. Ricky White draws so much attention, that defenses find themselves at a crossroads on whether to focus on the pass or the Rebels’ vaunted rushing attack. The Rebels have over 1,500 rushing yards through six games, averaging 250 rushing yards per game. That’s insane.
On defense, Jalen Catalon and Jackson Woodard rank second and third nationally through six weeks in interceptions. Funny enough, former Rebel and current Cal Golden Bear Nohl Williams is the nation’s leader in picks. The Rebels are playing fundamentally sound football and considering the state of the Power 5, perhaps UNLV may not need the Group of Five auto bid to make the playoffs. Of course, a lot of teams would have to lose but at this rate, is that really far from reality?
Syracuse sits at 5-1 and visits 6-0 Pitt this week. Should the Orange win, UNLV would have the second highest quality of loss in the Group of Five, only to Boise State’s loss against Oregon. If UNLV beats Boise State, wins out and James Madison picks up a loss, UNLV should get the auto bid. But considering in the SEC, most teams have at least one loss and #1 Texas (6-0) plays # 5 Georgia (5-1), leading to a massive shake-up in the polls, UNLV could get in regardless.
These next two weeks are critical to what the narrative of the season will be for UNLV. This team is hungry, they’re hurt and they’re on the hunt. This is the most dangerous UNLV team since Randall Cunningham was slinging the rock. And like Cunningham, the Rebels have a disrespected duel-threat QB that’s slinging it. Las Vegas once again becomes the epicenter of college football.
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