UNLV vs. Hawaii predictions: RJ staffers pick winner of Saturday’s game

Las Vegas Review-Journal reporters and editors marque their picks for the Rebels’ Mountain West opener astatine Hawaii connected Saturday:

Ed Graney

UNLV bushed writer/columnist (0-1)

Word is, much than its stock of rainfall is coming to the land this weekend. This should, if played correctly, favour UNLV. That means a dense dose (much heavier than usual) of moving backmost Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas. It’s existent Hawaii is acold amended astatine home, but the Rebels handled the Rainbow Warriors past play successful Las Vegas. UNLV indispensable bring much unit defensively than it did against Memphis. Lots more. A adjacent one, to beryllium sure.

UNLV 28, Hawaii 24

Donovan Hicks

UNLV backup writer (0-1)

UNLV mislaid conscionable 1 roadworthy crippled during the 2025 regular play portion cruising to a 38-10 triumph implicit the Rainbow Warriors astatine Allegiant Stadium. Playing connected the islands volition contiguous a tougher situation for the Rebels, but their vantage successful the tally crippled should beryllium capable to assistance them squeak retired a triumph successful their league opener.

UNLV 31, Hawaii 27

Adam Hill

Raiders bushed writer/columnist (0-1)

The Rebels came retired of their opener with much questions than answers, but the solutions astir apt beryllium successful the locker room. They volition surely person to get the halfway presumption figured retired if Austin Boyd is missing due to the fact that UNLV couldn’t determination the shot astatine each aft helium near the crippled with an injury. The Rebels request to enactment committed to the tally game, arsenic well.

UNLV 31, Hawaii 30

Sam Gordon

Raiders bushed writer/columnist (0-1)

Former Bishop Gorman backmost Micah Alejado has his mode with a defence that couldn’t unafraid a timely halt against Memphis.

Hawaii 30, UNLV 27

Alex Wright

High schoolhouse bushed writer (0-1)

Micah Alejado carved up the apical defenses erstwhile helium starred locally astatine Bishop Gorman High and past twelvemonth arsenic a freshman with Hawaii. This week, with the home-field advantage, Alejado volition springiness the UNLV defence 1 of its toughest challenges of the play and marque capable plays to outduel the Rebels successful a adjacent game.

Hawaii 28, UNLV 24

Bill Bradley

Sports Editor (0-1)

I’ve got a atrocious feeling astir this. Six-hour flight. Three-hour clip portion switch. A highly touted playoff hopeful coming disconnected a stunning loss. Holes discovered connected the violative line. An hostile that mightiness beryllium amended nether a second-year coach.

Hawaii 27, UNLV 24

Richard Bush

Assistant Sports Editor (0-1)

Flying crossed the Pacific for a roadworthy crippled aft a pugnacious season-opening nonaccomplishment astatine location is not an casual assignment. And Hawaii has immoderate violative weapons that are a concern, including erstwhile Bishop Gorman players. But contempt each that, the Rebels crook things astir to commencement their Mountain West schedule.

UNLV 23, Hawaii 17