The Rebels’ week one matchup takes them on the road to Texas to take on the University of Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium.
This game will be the first of five non-conference matchups for the Scarlet and Gray and the first game back against a member of the Big 12 Conference since its loss to Kansas in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl last year.
UNLV is relatively unfamiliar with the Big 12 as they have only competed in nine games against the conference and hold an overall record of 3-6.
However, the Cougars are new to the conference, as they are competing in only their second season inside the Big 12 after accepting the invitation to become a Power 4 program in September 2021.
During its first season outside the American Athletic Conference, the team finished with a record of 4-8 with wins over UTSA, Sam Houston, West Virginia and Baylor.
There are a few key players to look out for who will be lining up opposite the line of scrimmage from the Rebels in Week 1.
DONOVAN SMITH: QB
Smith, a 6’5, 235 pound Las Vegas native, is the probable starting quarterback for the Cougars entering both squads’ first game of the 2024 season.
Last season was the senior’s first with the Cougars since transferring from Texas Tech, and he recorded a combined total of 2801 passing yards along with 22 passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
He also recorded six touchdowns with his legs and finished the year with 428 rushing yards.
One number that stands out from his junior campaign is his career-high 13 interceptions in his combined 397 pass attempts.
If Smith can lower the number of interceptions thrown, it will significantly improve the 135.5 quarterback rating he received for his play across 12 games in 2023.
Smith is also one of only six active Power 4 quarterbacks with over 15 rushing touchdowns and 40 passing touchdowns since 2021.
This being Smith’s second year in the Cougars offense may lead to more prominent successes in the new year.
KENDRE GANT: LB
The second player on the Houston roster stands out is linebacker Kendre Gant, the senior transfer from the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.
During the 2023 season, Gant posted career highs in nearly every statistical category, including 64 tackles, with 12 of those being tackles for loss and six resulting in sacks.
Gant also has a nose for the football, creating three forced fumbles in his junior campaign and recovering three fumbles throughout the season.
In coverage, Gant also made his presence known with three pass deflections, as the 6’3 linebacker can use his length efficiently to interrupt passing lanes.
The biggest question for Gant is whether he can continue to produce in the Cougar defensive system after making the move to Houston.
KEITH COOPER: DE
The third and final standout may be one of the most significant pieces of the Cougar defense in the upcoming year.
The senior defensive end transfer from Tulane, Keith Cooper, will look to create chaos at the line of scrimmage on Saturday against UNLV.
Cooper has developed steadily throughout his collegiate career after finishing with a career-high in sacks during his junior year with five, bringing him to a career total of 10.5.
Additionally, during the 2023 season, Cooper recorded 33 tackles, of which 8.5 resulted in a loss.
The defensive end also showed off his reaction time from the line of scrimmage as he managed to deflect two attempted passes last season.
Suppose Cooper can continue to develop during his senior season and adapt to life in the Big 12 compared to the ACC. In that case, he can contribute to some new defensive schematics for the University of Houston.
These are just a few names from a vastly talented Houston Cougar roster, some of which may have been highlighted in different film sessions for the Rebels entering the season’s first game.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PST at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas, and the game will be broadcast on FS1.
