Following a 13-7 win over North Dakota State, UNLV prepares to face Air Force on the road for the first time since 2023. Last season’s matchup provided offensive fireworks, with UNLV winning 51-48 at Allegiant Stadium despite allowing 603 yards of total offense, including 428 yards on the ground. Air Force has averaged 28.8 points per game and 400 yards of total offense through five games in 2026, relying heavily on its triple-option scheme.
UNLV coach Dan Mullen emphasized that containing Air Force requires disciplined gap fitting and sound tackling, saying, “If you play North Dakota State, you better fit your gaps… Against Air Force, you better fit your gaps exactly. You’ve got to tackle really soundly because if you miss a tackle, nobody else is in that gap and they have an explosive play.” He added that the threat of Air Force’s passing ability, even when not used, creates nervousness and opens doors for big plays.
Air Force enters the game with a 4-1 record, 2-1 in the Mountain West, after losing only to North Dakota State at home. Starting quarterback Liam Szarka was injured in Week 5, after ranking first in the Mountain West and 20th nationally with 391 rushing yards and 296 passing yards with eight total touchdowns. Sophomore Evan Medders took over, rushing for 114 yards on 16 carries in a 28-7 win over Northern Illinois, while third-string Kemper Hodges attempted one incomplete pass against the Huskies.
Mullen noted that Medders possesses many of the same qualities as Szarka, saying, “Their quarterback unfortunately for them is hurt and he is a special player, but the backup comes in and besides the jersey number they both look that way… They both have got that impact and toughness that can grow.” UNLV senior linebacker Kamuela Ka’aihue echoed the need for discipline, stating the Rebels can compete with anyone if they stay disciplined and execute their assignments.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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