The UNLV Rebels are undefeated, playing their first Mountain West Conference game, hosting the Fresno State Bulldogs in Las Vegas this afternoon.
The Fresno State Bulldogs are a tough opponent with a 3-1 record, including a 1-0 Mountain West Conference record
Fresno State will face a formidable challenge against UNLV’s defense on Saturday, especially if UNLV can dominate the line of scrimmage and maintain strong pass coverage.
Fresno State’s defense has been rock-solid, allowing the fourth-fewest points, sixth-fewest pass yards, and third-fewest rush yards in the Mountain West Conference.
game 5 threads
— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) September 27, 2024
With UNLV losing Sluka, Fresno State’s defense should perform even better in the upcoming game. If they maintain their current level of play, the Bulldogs could secure a win on the road.
On the offensive side, Fresno State has shown strength, scoring 46 points against Sacramento State, 48 points against New Mexico State, and 38 points against New Mexico.
The main focus of this game for UNLV revolves around replacing quarterback Matthew Sluka. He has opted out of playing for the rest of the season because his NIL deal has not been honored.
As a result, their starting quarterback, who played a key role in their 3-0 start, will not be there. This decision raises questions about how UNLV’s offense will adapt without him.
Sluka led the team in passing and rushing. His absence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on UNLV’s offense.
IT’S GAME DAY IN LAS VEGAS
: Las Vegas, NV
: Allegiant Stadium
: 12:30 p.m.
: Fresno State
: FS1 pic.twitter.com/pOvD8YE7oo
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) September 28, 2024
UNLV’s success in the upcoming game hinges on its defense performing at a high level. Although Sluka’s absence will pose a challenge, UNLV has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities throughout the season.
Their defense allowed just seven points against Houston, 14 against Utah Tech, and 20 against Kansas. With their starting quarterback sidelined, UNLV must again rely on a solid defensive performance.
If they can limit Fresno State to under 20 points, UNLV has a good chance of winning.
UNLV’s defense boasts the lowest yards per game allowed in the Mountain West. Additionally, the Rebels rank fourth in the conference for the fewest pass yards allowed per game and lead in the fewest rush yards allowed.
Expect UNLV to kick off the season strongly with their new quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams. Williams brings exceptional mobility to the team and already holds the program record for passing yards and touchdowns from his previous team.
With all the noise surrounding the UNLV program, I believe they will come out very focused. I don’t think this will be a distraction, I believe it will unite the team. The spread only moved half a point from -3 to -2.5 for UNLV after the Sluka announcement.
I’ll take UNLV to win this on the moneyline and move to 4-0 for the first time in 40 years!
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