UNLV GAME DAY
Coming off their first bye week of the season the UNLV Rebels will travel to Akron, Ohio, to take on the Akron Zips to close out their nonconference road schedule.
Following a disappointing 44-6 blowout loss to the North Texas Mean Green the Rebels are looking to move back into the win column before returning home for two straight games.
Here’s how Las Vegas-area fans can watch and listen to the game.
UNLV at Akron
Records:
UNLV 1-2, 1-0 (MW); Akron 1-2, 0-0 (MAC)
When:
Saturday
Time:
9 a.m. PT
Where:
InfoCision Stadium
TV:
ESPN+
Radio:
ESPN 1100 AM & 100.9 FM
What’s at stake?
UNLV
Finding their footing
UNLV enters Saturday with a losing record after alternating between losses and a win through its first three games of the season.
With two consecutive home games waiting after Akron, the Rebels can use the Zips as a stepping stone to regain momentum and return to Allegiant Stadium at .500.
The key will be finding more success offensively, something that has been difficult to come by this season. After a rough outing against North Texas, UNLV will have a chance to respond with a road win.
Avoiding an even bigger hole
Another loss would drop the Rebels to 1-3 for the first time since the 2014.
After entering the season with College Football Playoff aspirations, a 1-3 start would be a significant setback for a program with championship goals.
While still in contention for a potential Mountain West championship, the Rebels need a win to get back on track before returning home and continuing the next stretch of their schedule.
Akron
Testing the Rebels
Akron enters Saturday with an identical record to the Rebels after opening the season 1-2, including matchups against two Power Four opponents.
The Zips have shown enough on both sides of the ball to draw praise from Rebels coach Dan Mullen, particularly for their physical defensive front and efficient young quarterback, Cibastian Broughton, who is among the nation’s leaders in completion percentage.
If UNLV falters, the Zips will have a chance to pick up an upset win that could provide a boost to a program that has not surpassed six wins since 2017.
Home-field advantage
With Saturday looming as Akron’s final nonconference game before the start of MAC play, the Zips will look to use their home field to hand UNLV another setback and carry momentum into conference competition.
So far, Akron’s lone win of the season came in front of its home fans when it defeated FCS opponent Robert Morris 45-10, holding the Colonials scoreless in the second half.
The Zips are searching for their first season with at least five home wins since 2017 and their third such season since 2000.
Contact Donovan Hicks at dhicks@reviewjournal.com. Follow @HicksSports on X.
