UNLV season prediction
UNLV beat writer Ed Graney predicts a season’s worth of Rebels football games:
Aug. 29, Vs. Memphis: WIN. The Tigers are much like last year’s UNLV side — new coach, new players, pretty much new everything — and the Rebels are in a second season under Dan Mullen.
Sept. 5, At Hawaii: WIN. It won’t be easy. It hardly ever is on the island. But the Rebels handled the Rainbow Warriors in Mullen’s first season and one of Hawaii’s most dangerous weapons — wide receiver Pofele Ashlock — hasn’t been 100 percent.
Sept. 12, At North Texas: WIN. These are the sorts of road games the Rebels have won in recent times, while the Mean Green has had to replace most everyone, from the head coach on down. What might make it difficult for UNLV is the travel to-and-from Hawaii the previous week.
Sept. 26, At Akron: WIN. The Zips haven’t had a winning season since 2015. Another road game the Rebels should handle.
Oct. 3, Vs. California: LOSS. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is one of the best quarterbacks the Rebels will face this season and has been surrounded by talent out of the portal.
Oct. 10, Vs. North Dakota State: WIN. Question is, which side will have more fans in Allegiant Stadium? A far tougher game than some realize.
Oct. 17, At Air Force: LOSS. Go back and check out what the Falcons did offensively in a 51-48 loss to UNLV last season. Now they get the Rebels at home with explosive quarterback Liam Szarka along for the ride.
Oct. 31, Vs. Northern Illinois: WIN. There is a great chance the visitors here will challenge for the worst side in the new-look Mountain West this season.
Nov. 7, Vs. Wyoming: WIN. The Cowboys first have to prove they can score and likely won’t enough against what should be another UNLV high-powered offense.
Nov. 14, At New Mexico: LOSS. Toughest game on the schedule to call. New Mexico has questions at quarterback to begin the season, but went 6-0 at home last year and should have any such issues solved by then.
Nov. 21, At San Jose State: WIN. The Spartans, like others on this schedule, are starting over with their roster. Shouldn’t cause UNLV many problems.
Nov. 28, Vs. UNR: WIN. Simple — UNLV remains a much better program and the Fremont Cannon will stay red.
Predicted record: 9-3
Ed Graney Las Vegas Review-Journal
