UNLV returns to Mountain West play after finishing its nonconference slate, hosting undefeated North Dakota State at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday. The Rebels come off a 39-31 home win over Cal, where quarterback Jackson Arnold accounted for five touchdowns and was named Offensive Player of the Week. North Dakota State is also undefeated and recently defeated Wyoming 28-0, showcasing a defense that allows just 9.8 points and 236.2 yards per game on average.
The Bison can go 3-0 in league play with a win and position themselves strongly for a championship game berth, while UNLV needs to keep pace and prove it belongs among the conference’s top teams. UNLV averages 25 points and leads the Mountain West in yards per game at 392.6, but must improve ball security after turnovers hurt them in previous games. Rebel running back Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas may face a tough challenge against an NDSU defense that allows just over 100 rushing yards per game.
North Dakota State features two of the league’s top 11 rushers in DJ Scott and Myles Mitchell, quarterback Nathan Hayes (fifth in passing), and receiver Jackson Williams (league-leading 71.6 average), giving them multiple ways to win. UNLV’s defense will need to match the Bison’s physicality up front, as NDSU’s program is built on toughness and punishing opponents. Coach Dan Mullen has urged fans to show out for the homecoming atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium.
UNLV’s special teams showed promise with a fake punt that sparked a scoring drive against Cal, but the team is looking to clean up mistakes ahead of this tough test. The Rebels were stout on defense when it mattered most against Cal, stopping them three times on fourth down, and will need similar resilience to handle NDSU’s balanced attack.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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