You can label it as sneaky tough.
UNLV’s football schedule this season offers little room for error if the Rebels intend on competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
There are potential landmines throughout the 12-game stretch, with UNLV’s toughest games coming away from home.
But the Rebels have been terrific on the road of late — save any games against Boise State, which has left the conference — and yet such numbers will be heavily tested this year.
Here are five games to watch that could determine UNLV’s postseason fate.
1.
at New Mexico, Nov. 14
If you believe in preseason predictions, this one could decide the Mountain West title. The two best teams in the conference on paper get together in Albuquerque near season’s end. The Lobos last season jumped to a 21-0 lead against UNLV and eventually prevailed 40-35 at Allegiant Stadium. New Mexico is led by the league’s best defensive player in linebacker Jaxton Eck, son of head coach Jason Eck.
2.
at Hawaii, Sept. 5
UNLV handled the Rainbow Warriors with surprising ease last year in a 38-10 home win. But making the trip to the island often spells a different story. So does the ability of Hawaii’s offense, led by former Bishop Gorman star quarterback Micah Alejado. This will be a good test for UNLV’s pass defense, which blew far too many coverages as last season played out.
3.
vs. Memphis, Aug. 29
The Week 0 game just might hold more implications than you would imagine for a season opener. Memphis is considered by many this season as a middle-of-the-pack side in the American Athletic Conference, but a UNLV loss here could immediately damage hopes of a CFP berth. Remember last year, when the Rebels struggled mightily in their Week 0 matchup against Idaho State, eventually posting a 38-31 win.
4.
at Air Force, Oct. 17
Talk about a game where UNLV’s defense needs to show up. The Falcons during a crazy 51-48 UNLV win last season totaled 603 yards, including 428 on the ground. Now, this one moves to the altitude of Colorado Springs. Air Force returns talented quarterback Liam Szarka, the first signal-caller in school history with five straight 100-yard rushing games and who last season ran for 136 yards and two scores and threw for 175 and another touchdown against UNLV.
5.
vs. N. Dakota State, Oct. 10
The Rebels welcome the Bison and their passionate fan base to Las Vegas. Up from the ranks of dominating the FCS for years, having won 10 of the past 15 titles at that level, North Dakota State certainly won’t be a walk-over for any Mountain West opponent. It’s 9-5 against FBS teams in 14 such matchups. This is the sort of game that makes UNLV’s pursuit of a CFP berth tougher than some might realize.
