Plenty at stake when UNLV plays Boise State

Rebels’ Offensive Firepower

UNLV’s offense has garnered plenty of headlines thus far this season. The “Go-Go” offense averages 43.6 points per game and hasn’t missed a beat this season despite the switch in quarterback from Matthew Sluka to Hajj-Malik Wiliams.

Wide receiver Ricky White is 16th in the nation in receiving yards and tied for second in receiving touchdowns. He also leads the nation in blocked kicks with three.

Stopping the Run

If UNLV is to be successful, however, its defense will need to do something few teams have been able to do: stop the Broncos’ offense.

Running back Ashton Jeanty is having a Heisman Trophy-like campaign. He’s rushed for 1,248 yards with 17 touchdowns.

But even if the Rebels were to key in on Jeanty, who has proven to succeed against practically anyone, they would also need to stop quarterback Maddux Madsen.

Madsen has been efficient this season, throwing for 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions.

The Rebels’ defense has been steady this season, however.

UNLV allows 22.6 points per game and is plus-12 in the turnover margin. Opponents are averaging 104.4 yards on the ground against the defense.

Bigger Game for Who?

The game will be the most critical in UNLV’s history.

After years of being one of the bottom teams in the Mountain West, the Rebels’ emergence as one of the top teams in the conference has been quick.

It is an incredible accomplishment for UNLV even to be considered for the College Football Playoff discussion in year two of the Barry Odom Era.

Meanwhile, Boise State has consistently been considered one of the best Group-of-Five teams in the country. A win would likely put the Broncos in the initial field for the College Football Playoff.

Paul Delos Santos is the Vegas Golden Knights insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.