Rebels’ next opponent appears more vulnerable than expected

After a shaky start to the Dan Mullen era against Idaho State, the UNLV Rebels bounced back Friday with a 38-21 win over the Sam Houston State Bearkats.

Quarterback Anthony Colandrea appears to have a good grip on the starting quarterback role, and he was able to add a vertical element to the Rebels offense that was lacking in Week Zero. Even more important was the defense being able to tighten up, allowing 14 of the Bearkats’ 21 points in garbage time. Cornerback Aamaris Brown, in particular, has established himself as a defensive force, landing a pick-six that effectively iced the games for the Rebels.

They now head into a non-conference test against the UCLA Bruins on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium, but their next opponent is not exactly in the best condition right now.

The Bruins come in with serious questions as they prepare for the Rebels.

UCLA is coming off of a humiliating Week One effort, being blown out at home by the Utah Utes 43-10 on Saturday.

Tennessee transfer Nico Iamaleava, who was supposed to push the Bruins to the next level, struggled in his first outing with the program. The former five-star prospect completed only 50 percent of his passes for 136 yards and one touchdown. It was a difficult day for UCLA, putting together 210 yards of total offense against Utah.

Iamaleava has undeniable talent and the struggles can certainly be him needing to acclimate to a new system, but losing by over 30 points at home is not a good look in any circumstance.

Suddenly, the Rebels have aspects of their opponents that they can capitalize on. Colandrea and quarterback Alex Orji should have plenty of opportunities to make good against a Bruins defense that appears susceptible to the run, which should also bode well to UNLV’s trio of running backs. If they can get going quickly against the Bruins and put pressure on Iamaleava, UNLV could effectively put any questions that arose from the Idaho State game to bed.

The Bruins are now seen in a much different light than they were a week ago, and a victory over them will establish the Rebels as a team to watch in the Group of Five.