The UNLV Rebels will make the in-state trip to Reno to face the Nevada Wolf Pack in Mountain West play this weekend from Mackay Stadium on the Mountain West Network. Nevada and UNLV have faced off in nearly every season since 1969, and the Wolf Pack hold an all-time series lead of, 28-20, despite the Rebels taking last year’s meeting by five in Vegas.
UNLV Rebels Preview
UNLV improved to 4-1 after defeating Hawaii in Las Vegas, 44-20. The Rebels controlled the entire contest to earn their third straight win, and they’ll look to keep things going upstate in Reno this weekend. The UNLV offense is scoring 36.0 ppg, while passing for 180.4 ypg, rushing for 214.0 ypg, and converting 51.9% of their third downs.
UNLV Player Notes
• Jayden Maiava improved to 3-0 as the starter after a solid effort versus Effort, passing for 142 yards and two touchdown tosses. The freshman, hometown product is settling in well in Vegas, and he’ll look to add another win here against Nevada. Maiava has thrown for 701 yards, with three touchdowns to two interceptions, and he’s added 115 yards and a score thru three starts.
• Freshman back Jai’den Thomas scored four times in the road win over UTEP, and he leads UNLV in rushing with 273 yards on 51 carries.
• Junior wideout Ricky White had a big game in the Power 5 win over Vanderbilt, and he leads the Rebels in receptions (23) and receiving yards (319).
• The UNLV defense has allowed 26.8 points per game.
Nevada Wolf Pack Preview
Nevada dropped to 0-5 after losing to Fresno State on the road, 27-9. The Wolf Pack’s trip to the Valley didn’t go well at all, as they were dominated by the Bulldogs, and they’ll now look to avoid a sixth straight loss here at home this weekend. The Nevada offense is scoring 15.4 ppg, while passing for 186.6 ypg, rushing for 105.8 ypg, and converting 36.3% of their third downs.
Nevada Player Notes
• Brendon Lewis had a very tough time in Fresno, as he finished with just 70 yards, two interceptions, and six sacks taken. The former Colorado QB will get the nod here despite being pulled last time out, and he’ll attempt to rebound against a strong UNLV defense. Lewis has thrown for 620 yards with no touchdowns to four interceptions, and he’s rushed for 196 yards and two scores thru five starts.
• Junior back Sean Dollars hasn’t found much room to run, and he leads the backfield with just 175 yards on 59 carries.
• Senior wideout Jamaal Bell has cooled off since a great game against USC, but he leads the Pack in receptions (26) and receiving yards (247).
• The Nevada defense is allowing 38.4 points per game.
UNLV vs Nevada Trends
• UNLV is 4-1 against the spread, with a 3-2 O/U record.
• Nevada is 3-2 ATS, with a 2-3 over/under record.
Corey’s Free Pick
Nevada has a real case for the worst school in the FBS, and simply put, they should be targeted for the remainder of the season. UNLV has a real chance to contend in the Mountain West if freshman QB Jayden Maiava continues to come along, and I don’t think they’ll slip up here against their rivals. Back UNLV for this in-state battle.
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
