UNLV vs. Idaho Prediction, Game Preview
UNLV vs. Idaho prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the Rebels and Vandals.
UNLV vs. Idaho prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the Rebels and Vandals.
UNLV vs. Idaho Game Preview
When: Saturday, Sept. 24 – 9:00 p.m. ET
Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
It hasn’t been the easiest go of it for the Rebels. After opening up the 2016 campaign with a convincing, 63-13 win over Jackson State, UNLV ran into Josh Rosen and the UCLA Bruins. Jim Mora’s team took down the Rebels, 42-21. And last week was a similar result for Tony Sanchez’s team. It visited Central Michigan and went home with another loss, 44-21. But now UNLV is back home where it holds a 148-125-3 record.
As far as the overall record is concerned, Idaho has walked the same path as UNLV. The Vandals narrowly beat Montana State in Week 1, 20-17. But then they ran into Jake Browning and Washington, who came out on top, 59-14. After leaving Seattle with a loss, Idaho stayed in Washington but visited Pullman. The Vandals fell to Washington State last week, 56-6.
The all-time series between UNLV and Idaho is tied, 3-3, but it’s the Vandals who had the last laugh. When they met on Sept. 18, 2010, Idaho claimed a 30-7 victory over the Rebels. UNLV hasn’t won in the series since 2005.
What To Know About UNLV
The Rebels run wild with a three-headed monster coming out of the backfield. Lexington Thomas has exploded for 293 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 47 carries. He’s been joined by Charles Williams, who has 130 rushing yards and a score on 23 carries. The third member of that trio is quarterback Johnny Stanton. While Sanchez has let Stanton throw 81 passes, the junior quarterback has completed less than half of them (44.4 percent) for 501 yards, five touchdowns and four picks. Stanton has, however, rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown to combat his poor passing start.
What to Know About Idaho
The Vandals certainly aren’t afraid to let their junior quarterback drop back and fire. Matt Linehan has completed 54.8 percent of his passes for 487 yards but has only one touchdown to one interception. He has developed a connection with tight end Deon Watson, though. Watson has caught 10 passes for 170 yards so far. The key cog of that Idaho offense has been running back Aaron Duckworth, who has tallied 181 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries.
Advantages
Offense: UNLV gets the nod here because Thomas can do a lot of damage if given running lanes to burst through. Stanton needs to be more careful when dropping back, but the Rebels sure can run for days.
Defense: UNLV is ranked No. 89 in total defense while Idaho sits at No. 98. However, the Rebels are allowing 11 fewer points. With Troy Hawthorne roaming, the Rebels have the edge. He’s totaled 19 tackles with two forced fumbles and an interception.
Special Teams: Austin Rehkow has hit 4-of-6 field goals and is averaging 44.5 yards per punt for the Vandals. He, by himself, gives them the advantage.
Coaching: Sanchez saw a lot of success while at the helm for Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, but he’s started 4-11 with the Rebels. That’s why the edge goes to Idaho. Paul Petrino may not have seen great success in his first three seasons with the Vandals, but he has more collegiate and NFL experience.
Matchup To Watch
UNLV running game vs. Idaho running game
Linehan will likely be more accurate than Stanton in this one, but the real key is whose ground game is more effective. Neither defensive unit is particularly stout, so it will be a fun matchup to watch between the three-headed monster for UNLV versus Duckworth. He has the ability to put up big numbers all by himself, but the Rebels can put the ball in a few pairs of hands and look to go north in a hurry. This one could come down to whichever team has more 20-plus-yard runs a.k.a. home run plays.
UNLV vs. Idaho Betting Odds
Spread: UNLV -14.5
Over/Under: 63
UNLV vs. Idaho Prediction
Duckworth is going to get his. That’s for sure. He won’t go off for 200 rushing yards, but the man will find the end zone on the ground. Linehan will be better from the pocket than Stanton, but he won’t shred the UNLV secondary by any means. Sanchez will mix up the defensive looks and distribute carries often and evenly to continuously pick up first downs on the ground. UNLV will get out to a sizable lead by halftime and hold on in the second half for the win.
UNLV vs. Idaho Score Prediction: UNLV 42, Idaho 31
