After a successful venture into the heart of Texas, the 1-0 UNLV football team returns to the friendly confines of Allegiant Stadium to open up the home slate with a matchup with the Utah Tech Trailblazers (0-1) of the United Athletic Conference.
Before the game, UNLV will celebrate Las Vegas Heros Day, honoring local first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers.
The Rebels will also honor the 1974 NCAA Division II semifinalists.
The historic team went 12-1 before losing to No. 3 Delaware in Baton Rouge in the semifinal round.
The Rebels are coming off a big road win against the Houston Cougars in their last match-up with a final score of 27-7.
The Trailblazers are traveling to Las Vegas after losing at home against Montana State, 31-7.
This game will be the first time these two teams have played each other in football despite only being separated 119 miles.
The Trailblazers will be the first of two first-time-meetings for the Rebels this season, with the second being the Syracuse Orange.
Utah Tech, formerly Dixie State, joined the then-Western Athletic Conference in 2020 and had a 2-9 record last season. The Trailblazers are led by first-year Head Coach Lance Anderson, previously a senior defensive analyst at Boise State.
Let’s look at some critical points for this FCS vs. FBS meeting.
Home Sweet Home
A large part of UNLV’s winning came from the comforts of Allegiant Stadium, where the Rebels earned a 5-1 record on home turf. While the Rebels had a solid home-field advantage, second-year Head Coach Barry Odom wants to build on last year’s success and turn Allegiant Stadium into a fortress.
“We’re excited about playing at home. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to play in that stadium,” Odom said at a Labor Day press conference. “It does get so loud in there, we could create a nightmare for our opponents.”
UNLV has announced that each complementary student ticket can receive up to three more tickets at no additional cost.
Students are encouraged to come to Allegiant Stadium to support the team.
Runnin’ Rebels
UNLV’s ground attack was utilized in last Saturday’s win over Houston, with the Rebels recording 195 total net yards. Junior running back Michael Allen led the team in rushing with 65 yards on 10 attempts, while starting quarterback Matthew Sluka was second, tallying 59 yards on 11 attempts.
The Rebels will look to develop the run against a Utah Tech defense that allowed 339 yards against Montana State. The Trailblazers allowed three 50+ yard rushers, opening the door for an explosive day for UNLV on the ground.
Sharpness Test
UNLV raced to a 17-0 halftime lead against the Cougars, and Coach Odom felt comfortable to take the foot off the gas in the second half for the offense.
“I asked the offensive staff this: let’s take the air out of the game,” Odom said. “I think we attempted three passes in the second half. I felt like we were in complete control of the game, and I wanted us to finish it in that context.”
Sluka completed six out of 13 attempts, throwing two touchdowns and one interception. Saturday’s game should allow Brennan Marion to experiment with his “Go-Go” offense and a chance for guys like Sluka, White, and De Jesus to show off their talent to the Rebel faithful.
Saturday’s contest will also provide a litmus test for the defense, as they tallied a strong performance last week.
Led by Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week Jackson Woodard, the Rebels held the Cougars to 247 yards of total offense. Woodyard himself had 11 total tackles, seven solo, and three sacks.
Senior defensive back Jalen Catalon was also a catalyst on defense, snagging two picks and taking one of them to the house on a 36-yard return.
Like the offense, this game will allow Coach Odom and Defensive Coordinator Mike Scherer to experiment with the defense.
Where to Watch
The kickoff for the game is set for noon on Saturday.
The game will be broadcast locally on the Silver State Sports Network and the Mountain West Network for out-of-market viewers via the Mountain West App.
Awesome article again. I felt perfectly informed on what to expect with this match up.
Olin, you appear to be working towards a very successful career in sports broadcasting.
Go Rebels Go!