It’s a Mountain West showdown between two (6-1) teams.

The Dogs host the Rebels in a late night showdown.

Game: UNLV vs Fresno State

Where: Valley Children’s Stadium  Fresno, California

TV: Fox Sports One

Streaming: Fubo TV with a free trial

Series Record: 18-7 Fresno State leads

Websites: unlvrebels.com  | gobulldogs.com   

Game Notes: Fresno State

Odds: – 9.5

On the night the Bulldogs are set to induct legendary Head Coach Pat Hill into the ring of honor. The Dogs will also have a tall task headed of them as they host the (6-1) UNLV Rebels on homecoming night.

The Rebels are coming off a close victory over Colorado State. The Bulldogs are coming off a bye week and all eyes will be at the Quarterback position. Will Mikey Keene be back for the Bulldogs? Or will Logan Fife get his second start of the season?  Which quarterback will try to help the Bulldogs to a victory?

We talked with Pat Hill this morning, Fresno State's head football coach from 1997-2011. He is being inducted into the Bulldogs' Ring of Honor on Saturday at halftime against UNLV: pic.twitter.com/MWvWWnxoeA

— Andrew Marden (@andrewmarden) October 26, 2023

Keys to the Game:

Creating turnovers:

If the Bulldog defense is going have any success in stoping UNLV offense led by Freshman quarterback Jayden Maiava then it will start with creating turnovers. Maiava has thrown only two interceptions all season and hasn’t thrown one in his last three games. The Rebels in seven games have only turned it over six times this season. The Bulldogs have to find ways to keep this offense off the field. This Bulldog secondary will have their work cut out for them Saturday night but can they step it up when the Bulldogs need it the most?

Heading into homecoming battle vs 6-1 UNLV, @FresnoStateFB captain Levelle Bailey has been impressed on film by 6’4” 220-lb redshirt freshman Jayden Maiava, who has led Rebel offense since injury to Doug Brumfield:o pic.twitter.com/Fd7jfaBm3C

— Paul Loeffler (@P356Loeffler) October 24, 2023

Which Play maker will step up?

Some games it’s Erik Brooks another game it could be Jalen gill or lately it has been Jalen Moss and last game it was Tre Watson. This game could easily turn into a shootout and the Bulldogs are going to need all their play makers to play make plays in this one. The question will be can these guys take over the game and make enough play for the Bulldogs. If Keene plays how healthy is he really to throw down the field or move put of the pocket and if it’s Fife do the Bulldogs trust him enough to make enough plays with his arm. I do believe the Dogs will look to get the ball out quick and depend a lot on these play makers to create offense for the Bulldogs.

Control the tempo 

Simple things will be a factor when two high powered offenses clash. For the Bulldogs it will really be a good test for the offense to see how they control the game. Questions will be will the Bulldogs have a running game to control the pace of the offense and the game. The Dogs have to play smart and wise with the clock and keep UNLV offense off the field. Long drives and  physical drives will be another key to a Bulldogs victory.  Can’t let this game be in the control of the Rebels hands. The Dogs do not want to be in a shootout with UNLV.

Fresno State OC Pat McCann said he pulled Malik Sherrod aside before facing Utah State and told him he was getting 20+ touches.

On if that will be a regular thing: "Just being committed to running the football is the goal." He added that "playing the hot hand" is considered.

— Gabe Camarillo (@gabecamarillo_) October 23, 2023

Predictions:

Both teams are well alive for a Mountain West Championship berth but only one team can come out of Valley Children’s stadium with a win. Two high powered offenses and two well coached teams. I think experience is going to help the Bulldogs in this one. I believe the Bulldogs find a way to pull out a narrow victory thanks to their run game.

Rebels 31-38 Bulldogs