Conference season is upon us. With Mountain West Conference foe University of New Mexico on the horizon, UNLV’s football team is staring at a .500 record and a real chance at being eligible for a bowl game. After struggling last week in their loss to Arkansas State, the Rebels are looking to rebound in their MWC opener.
The Rebels scored a combined 98 points in their previous two games. Last week, UNLV scored their fewest points in a game this season, 20, and took their second loss of the year. They ultimately fell 27–20 to Arkansas State University in their last non-conference game of the year.
Despite staying close throughout the Arkansas State game, UNLV never held more than a one-point lead over their rivals from the Sun Belt Conference. The game was never going to be easy for UNLV. Arkansas State is one of the best teams in their conference, but the weather gave them an extra challenge. It was raining from the start, and didn’t let up until the clocks hit zero.
The Red Wolves opened the scoring just minutes into the first quarter with a 16-yard touchdown pass. UNLV answered with a score from senior running back Evan Owens a 41-yard TD run. UNLV went into the half trailing just 13-7. Arkansas State was able to expand its lead after a critical UNLV blunder by junior Brandon Presley, who fumbled the kick return.
The Red Wolves extended their lead to 19–7 and held on for the win. Sophomore quarterback Armani Rogers picked up 72 rushing yards and his only touchdown of the day but it wasn’t enough. Rogers is now headed to the injury list with an foot injury.
With Rogers out indefinitely, sophomore Max Gilliam will make his first start Saturday against New Mexico. This makes for an interesting circumstance for UNLV, since Rogers has been excellent on the ground (488 rushing yards, 6 TDs) but sketchy as a passer. His accuracy has cost him more than a few chances (34-of-82 for 369). No matter how fast you are as a runner, a 41 percent completion percentage is going to limit the offense’s options.
Rogers’ injury, a torn plantar plate, is expected to keep him out for about six weeks
“Best-case scenario, maybe six weeks,” UNLV head coach Tony Sanchez told the Las Vegas Sun. “It could be longer or shorter, but right now we’ll put the ‘indefinitely’ on it.”
Gilliam began his college career at Cal before transferring to Saddleback College for the 2017 season. He finished the season with a 69.7 completion percentage for 1,185 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also threw seven interceptions. Here is his Cal signing day hype video.
The Lobos will make the trip to Sam Boyd Stadium Oct. 6. UNM is currently 2–2 on the season after a dismal 52-43 loss Sept. 29 to Liberty University. Even with a backup quarterback, the Rebels should hang tough in the MWC opener.
It’s tough to predict what kind of defense the Lobos will bring to the game after giving up 52 points last week to a mediocre opponent, but UNLV can bank on a few scores coming their way. New Mexico hasn’t allowed less than 25 points in a game this season, and that was against New Mexico State University.
Their biggest weakness also pairs nicely with UNLV’s strength — the ground game. A Lobos defense that has given up 260 rushing yards per game is perfect for Rogers and senior running back Lexington Thomas to go off and dominate.
Offensively, UNM has had no trouble scoring in droves. They have averaged almost 40 points per game through their first three weeks. It’s also a balanced offense coming from Albuquerque. They’re averaging 198 rushing yards per game compared to 207 passing yards. Considering how the Lobos are reeling, the Rebels are matched up well and should have fresh legs off the bye week. Fans who pour into Sam Boyd Stadium this weekend will get an offensive treat with plenty of scoring.
Hopefully, it’s the Rebels doing the majority of it.
