NFL
By: Brock Vierra
When UNLV takes the field on Friday night, all eyes will be on Las Vegas as the Rebels and the Boise State Broncos are set to play in what could be one of the most important games of the college football season. A loss means elimination from the college football playoff and a win puts the victor in the driver’s seat for the Mountain West crown and the Non-P5 automatic qualifying bid.
UNLV is playing for immortality
UNLV played a sloppy game against Oregon State in Corvallis last week but came out the victor with Ricky White continuing to excel at both receiver and special teams. Hajj-Malik Williams continued his prenominal play, writing himself into UNLV lore alongside Randall Cunningham. Williams continues to be a dual-threat weapon, totaling over 260 yards of total offense, making all Rebel fans forget about Matthew Sluka and shifting their focus on what could be the greatest season in UNLV history.
On the opposite side of history is a team looking to write their own. Ashton Jeanty is chasing history, rushing towards Barry Sanders’ records as he is on pace to mimic or even exceed Sanders’ incredible 1988 season for Oklahoma State. He is hauling Boise State towards another incredible season and perhaps their first major bowl game since the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. Boise State has been at the forefront of G5 teams competing and winning against P5 opponents as displayed by their multiple NY6 bowl wins, most notably the 2007 Fiesta Bowl where they upset the Oklahoma Sooners.
When they take the field against each other at Allegiant Stadium, UNLV and Boise State will have everything to play for. The CFP bid, the potential right to host the Mountain West championship and first place in conference play lays in the balance. For their coaching staffs, even more is on the line. Boise State’s HC Spencer Danielson is a rising star and has attracted the eyes of ADs all over the country and Barry Odom continues to get linked with the Arkansas job amongst others. Brennan Marion, the Rebels OC has been linked to P5 coordinator jobs as well as G5 head coaching gigs, most notably along the west coast.
As the time ticks closer to kickoff, one thing has become clear. This game will change the trajectory for one program forever. Alongside the potential riches of this season lays the path to a P5 conference and from all accounts, it’s looking like the Big 12. Regardless, fireworks are expected to be lit on Friday night as UNLV is expected to have it’s biggest crowd in its history since moving to Allegiant stadium.
As for me, I’m taking UNLV 35-32.
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