Category: UNLV

New Mexico vs. Boise State: Game Preview, How To Stream, Odds, More

New Mexico vs. Boise State: Game Preview, How To Stream, Odds, More Can the Lobso win vs the Broncos? Follow @MWCwire Every game is important for UNM Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Time: 10:30 p.m. ET TV: Fox Sports 1 Stream : For free with a …

New Mexico vs. Boise State: Game Preview, How To Stream, Odds, More

Can the Lobso win vs the Broncos?

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Every game is important for UNM

The New Mexico Lobos (18-3, 6-2 MWC) aim to extend their five-game winning streak as they face the Boise State Broncos (14-6, 5-2 MWC) at The Pit on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:30 pm ET.

New Mexico boasts a 15-5-0 record against the spread this season, surpassing Boise State’s 9-10-1 ATS performance.

Regarding over/under outcomes, the Lobos’ games are 10-10-0, while the Broncos stand at 11-9-0. Over the past ten games, New Mexico has shown strength with a 7-3 record against the spread and an 8-2 overall performance.

In their second week in the AP Top 25 basketball poll, UNM Lobos, led by Richard Pitino, ascended six spots.

On Monday, New Mexico (18-3, 6-2) rose six places to claim the No. 19 spot, surpassing teams like Florida Atlantic, Dayton, BYU, and Oklahoma, the latter dropping 12 places from No. 11 to No. 23.

This climb is attributed to their impressive five-game winning streak in the Mountain West, where they have convincingly defeated all opponents by double-digit margins.

For example, New Mexico’s defense has been a crucial factor in their success throughout the season, and it seems to be improving with each game.

Sunday’s game against Nevada was particularly impressive. They limited Nevada to a 34% field goal percentage, preventing any Wolf Pack players from scoring in double digits. Jarod Lucas and Kenan Blackshear were held to just 9 points each.

In addition to their climb in the rankings, the Lobos dominated the weekly league awards, and this is the highest ranking for the New Mexico Lobos since 2013-14

For the first time since 2011-2012, they have won five straight MW games by a margin of at least 10 points.

In yesterday’s press conference, Boise State head coach Leon Rice commented in regards to playing the Lobos in the PIT: “It got to be one of the top five venues, it’s loud in there, there’s that, and now you have a good team playing like they are playing.”

“You saw the numbers they are doing down there, to good teams…no one can argue, San Diego State, Utah State, and Nevada are really good teams, and they just got “blitzkrieged” down there.”

The latest triumph for the Lobos was a resounding 89-55 victory over Nevada on Sunday night, marking a 34-point surge.

While the team appreciates its ranking, it focuses on other metrics contributing to the NCAA Tournament field determination.

Currently sitting at number 19 in the Kenpom rankings, UNM guard Jaelen House acknowledges the significance of Kenpom but emphasizes that the team’s primary focus is on their performance rather than rankings.

Among Mountain West teams, Utah State is the only other squad in the AP Top 25, holding the 17th position.

On Monday, Utah State secured the No. 17 spot in both the AP and coach’s polls, maintaining its position as the premier team in the Mountain West Conference alongside New Mexico, which moved up to the 19th spot.

Following a hard-fought 90-84 overtime victory against the Broncos (14-6, 5-2 MW), the Aggies inched up one spot in the AP poll.

With an overall record of 18-2 and a conference play at 6-1, Utah State proudly leads the league standings as they prepare for a Tuesday showdown against San Jose State (8-12, 1-6). The Aggies have now held their place in both polls for four consecutive weeks.

Remember that New Mexico defeated Utah State in the PIT on January 16, 99-86, so the rematch will happen on March 9 and promises to be a barn burner.

Boise State faces a challenging schedule with consecutive matchups against top-20 opponents, starting with a game in Albuquerque on Wednesday at 8:30 pm MT on Fox Sports 1.

The Lobos, currently the standout team in the Mountain West, have been averaging an impressive 91.2 points per game during their five-game winning streak.

Each player seems to have learned their role under head coach Richard Pitino, and they are playing with high confidence that any person who has watched them play would agree.

Looking ahead in Mountain West play, Utah State’s schedule is marked by two significant matchups against San Diego State (February 3) and a rematch with Boise State (February 10), along with games against Colorado State (February 17) and New Mexico (March 9).

Boise State faces a challenging schedule with consecutive matchups against top-20 opponents, starting with a game in Albuquerque on Wednesday at 8:30 pm MT on Fox Sports 1.

Notably, New Mexico outranks both San Diego State (16-4, 5-2) and Utah State in the NET rankings and holds the top spot in the Mountain West at No. 19 on KenPom.

 

Anticipate an exhilarating late-night showdown in the PIT in Albuquerque as the Mountain West rivals clash.

The home-court advantage bodes well for New Mexico, with oddsmakers favoring the Lobos due to their impressive performance on both ends of the court, showcasing strong defensive and offensive capabilities.

The upcoming battle between the Broncos and the Lobos is poised to deliver an exciting game, especially as Boise seeks a crucial road victory against a formidable opponent in New Mexico.

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UNLV vs. Colorado State: Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The UNLV Rebels head to Fort Collins to face the Colorado State Rams in Mountain West play. Here’s what to look for in this matchup.

UNLV vs. Colorado State: Preview, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Rams and Rebels face off for momentum

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

Can the Rams open conference play strong?

WHO: UNLV Rebels (9-7, 2-2 Mountain West) vs. Colorado State Rams (14-3, 2-2 Mountain West)

WHEN: Friday, January 19th — 8:30 p.m. MST / 7:30 p.m. PST

WHERE: Moby Arena; Fort Collins, CO (8,083)

TV: Fox Sports 1 (Stream FS1 on Fubo and click the link here for a free trial)

SERIES RECORD: This will be the 65th all time matchup between the two schools. UNLV leads the all-time series 43-21

LAST MEETING: UNLV won 83-71 in Fort Collins last year

ODDS: Colorado State -7.5

It’s hard to call this early of a matchup a must win, but it feels like a must win for both teams. Colorado State needs to get back into their early season groove. And UNLV needs to continue riding their momentum if they want to make it to the NCAA Tournament.

CSU is hosting their annual Orange Out game coming off a double digit comeback win over Air Force. UNLV is heading to Fort Collins coming off a four point road win over Boise State. Both KenPom and the NET rankings have a similar distance between these two schools, but in conference play anything can happen.

Players to Watch

G Dedan Thomas Jr – UNLV

The Rebels floor general who seems like an even keeled player. Never too up and never too down. Even when Dedan is having a down game, he’s helping in other areas. Incredible vision on the court for the freshman and his teammates surely appreciate it.

F Joel Scott – Colorado State

The big man down low for the Rams. Joel Scott is another D2 transfer for the Rams who is playing a big part. He has a tendency to disappear at times and the Rams need him to step up tonight to keep the lengthy Rebels in check. Scott has shown he can play at a high level and the Rams need him to play like that tonight.

Keys to the Game

UNLV

Play physical basketball is the main key for the Rebels. The Rams have a tendency to play soft and forcing their hand can yield results. The Rebels also need to take advantage of the CSU misplays. CSU throws an unnecessary amount of skip passes and all UNLV has to do is pay attention and they can jump the pass.

On offense, keep the Rams switching. They’ll get tired and eventually miss a switch or recover too late. Getting down low needs to play a big part of the plan for UNLV. The Rams aren’t that big and if you can back them down, lay ups and passouts for open threes will be there.

Colorado State

Play your game. That’s what the Rams need to do tonight. They can’t let UNLV dictate the pace or action of the game. Take over the game and force the Rebels to play to you. CSU has a tendency to let the other team dictate how the game goes, but the Rams need to force it tonight.

The bench, other than Joe Palmer, needs to step up. Palmer gets his off the bench and he needs someone else to join him. If the Rams bench can take a little pressure of the starters, CSU is going to have a smooth day.

Predictions

This is a matchup of two similar teams. They have very similar stats. And the only real difference is the overall records. Basketball is a game of runs and both teams will go on big runs tonight. The back and forth battle will go the full 40 minutes before the Rams take it in the end.

Final Score: Colorado State 87, UNLV 81

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UNLV’s Barry Odom Name Linked To Washington Job

UNLV’s Barry Odom Name Linked To Washington Job Could the Rebels need a new head coach? Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire Coaching season is getting silly, again Former Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer just led Washington to the national title …

UNLV’s Barry Odom Name Linked To Washington Job

Could the Rebels need a new head coach?

Follow @JeremyMauss & @MWCwire

Coaching season is getting silly, again

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Former Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer just led Washington to the national title game, and now he is upgrading again by reportedly taking the Alabama job. It is not officially, official, but it is a done deal.

Now all the eyes of college football turn their eyes to the Pacific Northwest for who can take over for DeBoer’s Huskies. It will take a certain type of coach to lead Washington not only to the Big Ten but attempt to maintain its status as a national title contender team.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel tossed out a list of possible candidates and a few have Mountain West ties. There is former Fresno State and current Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who is an obvious choice.

The other name that will make UNLV fan’s head steam is reading that Barry Odom’s name is on the list.

Odom led UNLV to one of the best seasons ever in Las Vegas so to see his name on this very early list is not surprising. The turnaround has to make him enticing, as does his solid success as the Missouri head coach and helping Arkansas’s defense improve over the past few years.

Going to a soon-to-be Big Ten program has to be attractive to Odom. It will be a massive pay raise and going up against better competition. Jayden Maiava leaving and ultimately ending up at USC is a blow to the Rebels next year and might be a reason for Odom to look elsewhere.

However, there is no indicator that Odom is looking for a new job but getting a massive call up to a bigger league and everything that comes with it would be hard to turn down.

This list does not mean that Odom is a candidate by any stretch but it is a name that could be connected to this job.

At this time, there is no need for UNLV fans to panic about losing Odom, but maybe keep those alerts on for Thamel tweets about this job search.

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UNLV Beats New Mexico Inside & Out, 83-73 Tuesday Night

Game Recap: UNLV 83, New Mexico 73 The Runnin’ Rebels homecourt advantage holds true Tuesday night. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Boone brothers lead UNLV over New Mexico in conference opener. Las Vegas, NV-After a single matchup between …

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 Game Recap: UNLV 83, New Mexico 73

The Runnin’ Rebels homecourt advantage holds true Tuesday night.

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Boone brothers lead UNLV over New Mexico in conference opener.

Las Vegas, NV–After a single matchup between New Mexico and UNLV last season that was a true testament to the gauntlet of a conference the Mountain West truly is. Then second year head coach Kevin Kruger’s squad went into the Pit and handed the Lobos their second straight loss to start off conference play.

Both programs met as two of the more impressive teams during non-conference play to that point. It was the only meeting between them last season. Setting the stage for a possible revenge win for New Mexico on the road.

UNLV opened the doors to the Thomas & Mack Center Tuesday evening with a 7-6 (0-1, MWC) record but a top-10 win over Creighton back in December. The Runnin’ Rebels were missing key transfers early on & have since been victims of the injury bug. But that doesn’t make them any less dangerous.

New Mexico (13-2, 1-1) made the trip to Sin City looking to bounce back after a road loss to top-25 ranked Colorado State over the weekend. A win over UNLV would be just what’s needed inside the Lobo program to get things rolling in the new year. Unfortunately, Kevin krugers team had something else in mind.

The Runnin’ Rebels came out swinging. Taking a quick 4-0 lead to open things up and exert dominance over their guests with the help of their three point shooting early. UNLV enjoyed a 13-4 lead before a timeout halted their barrage.

The Lobos made adjustments after that and were sparked by the always entertaining combo guard Jaelen House. New Mexico was able to close the gap after that. With the help of true freshman Tru Washington off of the bench, they were able to take their first lead of the game around the nine minute mark with a pair of free throws (23-21).

This one stayed close as foul trouble in the first-half contributed to surges and setbacks for both teams. UNLV leaned on their 3-point shooting to hold New Mexico off, finishing the half 50% (6-12) while the Lobos went 0-3.

Richard Pitino’s group played reserved as their impact players went to the bench one-by-one due to foul trouble. Keeping New Mexico in this one was transfer forward Mustapha Amzil. The former Dayton Flyer has struggled in Albuquerque, but managed a team high 10 points in the first-half. It helped, as the Lobos went into the break only down 40-38.

UNLV emerged from the half-time break with the same energy they began the game with. With the same strategy that worked for them all game, pass the ball to Kalib in the post & Keylan on the perimeter. Helping extend their team’s lead to 21 points approaching the ten minute mark. It also turned out to be the winning formula of the night, combined with New Mexico’s turnover problem & complete absence from behind the arc.

Kalib ended with a game high 29 points from a dominant performance in the paint. While Keylan had a season high 17 points thanks to a near career high five made three point attempts. There was four Runnin’ Rebels to reach double figures, along with Luis Rodriguez (13 points) & Dedan Thomas Jr. (14 points).

The freshman sensation was particularly impressive. As the target of Jaelen House’s defensive torment all night, Thomas Jr. prevailed. Adding 7 assists, 3 rebounds & 2 steals to his 13 points while playing a whopping 38 minutes.

House himself tried to spark a run late in the second-half but it wasn’t enough. The Lobos were able to shrink their deficit to a slightly respectable margin in the closing minutes.

House was joined by freshman JT Toppin with 16 points a piece and maybe the only respectable field goal percentages of someone wearing cherry & silver (7-11, 63.3%). But it’s clear, New Mexico needs to make some adjustments as they dive deeper into conference action.

UNLV secured the quad 2 win at home while keeping the Thomas & Mack Center their home court fortress this season (6-1).

Player Spotlights

New Mexico G-Jaelen House

Stat line: 16 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds on 7-11 (63.3%) shooting in 26 minutes of action

During House’s time in Albuquerque, his reputation around the Mountain West is well known. The grad student combo guard is hardnosed, lightening fast with the ball, undersized at times but high energy.

But maybe his most important quality is he never backs down, from no one. Tuesday night House helped keep his team from Mountain West mediocrity as he took the offensive reigns to help himself & freshman JT Toppin to a team high 16 points a piece.

He was also disruptive defensively even though he ended the night with 0 steals, for only the second time this season. It wasn’t his best performance but in a game where most of his teammates looked intimidated, House stood tall.

UNLV-Keylan & Kalib Boone

Stat line: Kalib-29 points, 4 rebounds on 11-16 (68%) shooting, 7-8 FTs in just 28 minutes. Keylan-17 points, 5 rebounds on 5-11 (45%) from deep in 29 minutes on the floor

I was only going to give the spotlight to Kalib after his dominant paint performance against every player the Lobos threw at him. It was fun to watch in an era of less & less back to the basket play.

But maybe just as fun if not more is a great three-point shooting display. Insert Keylan, who in my opinion gave UNLV the competitive edge in the first-half while his brother finished things off in the post.

These two haven’t been on the floor together much at UNLV, but on Tuesday they looked like headaches for opposing teams in the Mountain West going forward.

Four Takeaways

  • UNLV looked confident & methodical from the tip on Tuesday. They look like they are still adjusting to life with Kalib Boone & life without Jalen Hill. But the Boone brothers showed up in the post & on the perimeter. While everyone else played into their roles and made opportunities work when they were given them.
  • Their shellacking of the Lobos to start the week is a great sign for the Runnin’ Rebels. They needed the quad 2 win incase they make a good enough run in the Mountain West to offset their mediocre non-conference performance.
  • If the Lobos’ season is riding on the ability to make threes OR create offense off of turnovers, it’s going to be a long ride. New Mexico hasn’t even been slightly respectable from deep this season. So teams that handle the ball well and outscore them look like their kryptonite.
  • I’m not sure the 3-guard lineup of Dent, House & Mashburn Jr. is the answer. We saw a different team before Mashburn Jr. rejoined the fold after the holidays. Not to say these last two losses are solely on his shoulders, but the team operates differently with this lineup. Maybe something to take a look at going forward before they are buried too far down the standings before February.

Next Up:

The Lobos return home for a date plenty of fans in New Mexico have circled on their calendar. The always intense rivalry between the Lobos and the No. 19 Aztecs of San Diego State. This clash of Mountain West titans is set for a noon tip-off in Albuquerque and can be watched on regular ole CBS.

While UNLV finish their two game homestand this week against a red hot No. 20 Utah State. Saturday’s noon tip-off against the Aggies can be watched on the CBS Sports Network.

Larry Muniz covers college basketball as a writer for Mountain West Wire and WAC Hoops Digest. Also as a co-host of the college basketball podcast “Hoops Talk W/Jay & Larry”. He is also a USWBA Member.

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New Mexico vs. UNLV Preview: How The Lobos Can Defeat Rebels

New Mexico vs. UNLV Preview: How The Lobos Can Defeat Rebels How can you watch Lobos vs. Rebels? Follow @MWCwire New Mexico looking for its second road win The New Mexico men’s basketball squad is set to resume action on Tuesday night with a matchup …

New Mexico vs. UNLV Preview: How The Lobos Can Defeat Rebels

How can you watch Lobos vs. Rebels?

Follow  @MWCwire

New Mexico looking for its second road win

The New Mexico men’s basketball squad is set to resume action on Tuesday night with a matchup against UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center. 

The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. MT (7:30 p.m. PT) and will be televised on FS1 and broadcast on the Lobo Radio Network.

In the current season, UNLV holds a record of 5-6-0 against the spread, while New Mexico boasts a 9-4-0 ATS record.

The New Mexico Lobos secured a 77-60 victory over Wyoming in their recent encounter. The Lobos committed 19 personal fouls, while Wyoming recorded 17.

 New Mexico struggled from beyond the arc, making 4 of 21 attempts. Wyoming had a strong performance from the free-throw line, shooting 73.7% and making 14 of 19 attempts. 

Despite Wyoming’s efforts on the boards (34 rebounds), they failed to record a block. The team also had nine assists three steals, and shot 41.2% from the field.

  • Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
  • Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
  • TV: Fox Sports 1
  • Stream: FuboTV — get a free trial
  • Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Venue: Thomas & Mack Center

 In contrast, New Mexico’s defense allowed the opposition to shoot 41.2%, but the Lobos compensated with 23 turnovers, resulting in 16 steals. New Mexico collected 32 rebounds, including 12 offensive rebounds. 

From the free-throw line, the Lobos converted 63.6% of their attempts, and they ended the game with a 43.5% field goal percentage, making 30 of 69 shots and 3 of 13 from beyond the arc.

Donovan Dent played a crucial role in the contest, contributing 21 points on 9 16 shooting in 32 minutes of play. He also added one rebound and four assists, shooting at an impressive 56.3% from the floor.

New Mexico, with a current record of 13-2, averages 82.9 points per game, shooting at a 46.6% field goal percentage. 

They connect on 34.9% of their 3-point attempts and shoot 65.9% from the free-throw line. The team grabs an average of 40.1 rebounds per game. It has 239 assists on the season, committing 10.3 turnovers per game and 18.9 personal fouls per contest.

On the defensive end, the Lobos force an average of 16.7 turnovers per game and draw 19.5 fouls. 

They allow opponents to shoot 40.5% from the field, including 29.7% from 3-point range. New Mexico gives up an average of 67.3 points per game.

UNLV, in their recent matchup against San Diego State, suffered a 72-61 defeat. They allowed San Diego State to secure 32 rebounds (10 offensive) and shoot 31.3% from beyond the arc. 

UNLV made 23 of 30 free throw attempts (76.7%) and shot 39.7% from the field. They struggled from 3-point range, making 8 of 30 attempts (26.7%). 

UNLV committed 17 personal fouls, turned the ball over 12 times, and recorded seven steals. Luis Rodriguez contributed 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting and grabbed five rebounds in 32 minutes of play.

With a 7-6 overall record, UNLV shoots at a 46.9% field goal percentage, averaging 76.2 points per game. 

They grab 35.1 rebounds per game and dish out 15.1 assists per contest. The team commits 11.3 turnovers per game and shoots 69.2% from the free-throw line.

Defensively, UNLV allows opponents to shoot 33.1% from 3-point range and concedes 68.4 points per game. They force an average of 14.4 turnovers per game and hold opponents to a 42.3% field goal percentage.

This will be New Mexico’s fifth game in Las Vegas this season, with the team securing victories in all four previous outings at the Dollar Loan Center in Henderson. 

With a current season record of 13-2 (1-1 in the Mountain West), the Lobos are coming off a 77-60 triumph over Wyoming at The Pit on Saturday. 

Donovan Dent played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 21 points, marking his first 20-point performance in conference play.

Impressively, New Mexico recorded 16 steals against Wyoming, continuing to achieve double-digit steals in seven of the past eight games.

The Lobos are one of the most talented teams in the MWC on paper and are deeper than they have been in the last couple of years. 

The Lobos are still a talented work in progress, working on team offensive chemistry with the three starting guard lineup of Dent, Mashburn, and House.  

The Lobos’ strength this year has been their defensive side of the ball listed at third in the MWC at DE Ken Pom and listed at 7th in the MWC in the offensive side of the ball. 

This team would be darn dangerous when defense and offense start running on all cylinders; they are that talented. 

On the other side, UNLV enters their conference home opener with a 7-6 overall record and an 0-1 mark in the Mountain West after a 72-61 defeat at the hands of San Diego State on Saturday. 

Luis Rodriguez leads the Runnin’ Rebels with an average of 12.5 points per game.

UNLV has dominated recent matchups, winning eight of the last nine meetings, including the last five at the Thomas & Mack Center. 

In the previous season, the teams faced off with UNLV, securing an 84-77 victory at The Pit. However, the Lobos’ last win at UNLV dates back to the 2017-18 season when they swept the series. 

In terms of men’s basketball, the Mountain West Conference is the most talented this writer has seen in years. 

Three Mountain West men’s basketball teams have secured spots in the top 25 rankings. Joining Colorado State, San Diego State, and Utah State have earned positions in the latest rankings released on Monday, January 8. This marks the first instance since January 2013 that the Mountain West has boasted three teams in the national rankings.

The current rankings for Mountain West teams are as follows:

  • Colorado State: No. 17 in the AP poll and No. 18 in the USA Today coaches poll.
  • San Diego State: Positioned at No. 19 in both the AP and coaches polls.
  • Utah State: Ranked No. 20 in the AP poll and No. 23 in the coaches poll.
  • Nevada: Receives votes in the coaches poll (second just outside the top 25 and fifth outside in the AP poll).
  • New Mexico: Earns a single vote in the coaches poll.

Anticipate an electrifying showdown in Sin City as the Lobos hit the road for a crucial Mountain West Conference matchup. 

The team is poised to secure a victory by showcasing solid defensive s plays, dominating on the boards, and consistently scoring baskets.

 With the added motivation of a significant upcoming game against SDSU at the PIT this Saturday, the Lobos have a compelling reason to emerge triumphant. 

Keep an eye out for what could be the Lobos’ first road win of the season in Las Vegas.

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Kansas Staves Off UNLV, 49-36, At The Guaranteed Rate Bowl

Recap of UNLV vs. Kansas.

Kansas Staves Off UNLV, 49-36, At The Guaranteed Rate Bowl

Double-Digit Loss For The Rebels

Follow @michaelbraydaly & @MWCwire

UNLV Ends Season With Bowl Loss To Kansas

In a high-scoring bowl game, Kansas held on for a 49-36 win over UNLV at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix on Tuesday evening.

There were 85 total points scored between UNLV and Kansas. The 2015-2016 Guaranteed Rate Bowl was the last time two teams combined for 85 points in the bowl game.

Kansas jumped on UNLV in the first half and had a 28-7 lead in the first half. Despite being down by 21 points, UNLV took advantage of Kansas’s penalties. Kansas racked up 135 yards of penalties in the first half.

The momentum shifted in UNLV’s favor after halftime and the Rebels scored 17 unanswered points in the second and third quarters. Kansas quarterback Jason Bean was intercepted twice in the third quarter by UNLV defensive back Cameron Oliver.

At the start of the fourth, Kansas reclaimed a double-digit lead following Bean’s 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lawrence Arnold. Kansas led UNLV, 35-24. UNLV quickly responded with a Jacob De Jesus 11-yard touchdown run with 12:06 to go in the game. With a failed two-point conversion, UNLV trailed by five points, 35-30.

Arnold added to Kansas’s lead following a 56-yard receiving touchdown at the 11:10 mark in the fourth quarter. Kansas was ahead 42-30.

By the end of the game, the Jayhawks capped off a 49-36 win. Even with 49 points scored, Kansas finished the game with 18 penalties.

Kansas closed out its season with a 9-4 record. For UNLV, head coach Barry Odom posted a 9-5 record in his first season. This was the most single-season wins for UNLV since 1984.

The future is promising for UNLV after the program reached a bowl game and had a winning season for the first time since 2013.

UNLV and Kansas are scheduled to meet again next season in Lawrence, Kan., on Sept. 14, 2024.

PODCAST: Week 2 Of Mountain West Bowl Previews

PODCAST: Week 2 Of Mountain West Bowl Previews There are four bowl games this week Contact/Follow @MWCwire Bowl season continues Jeremy and Josh get into the second wave of bowl games with four bowl games this week. A trio of games on Saturday …

PODCAST: Week 2 Of Mountain West Bowl Previews

There are four bowl games this week

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

Bowl season continues

Jeremy and Josh get into the second wave of bowl games with four bowl games this week. A trio of games on Saturday featuring San Jose State, Utah State, and Air Force. Then a post Christmas bowl game with UNLV getting a challenge with Kansas.

You can find the Mountain West Wire podcast below or subscribe to the show via TuneIn, Spotify, iTunes, and more. Listen in, subscribe and rate it and let us know what you think!

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Mountain West Football’s Updated 2024 Matchups Released

Mountain West Football’s Updated 2024 Matchups Released The Mountain West revised its college football schedule to include games against wayward Oregon State and Washington State. Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire What’s new? The vagaries of …

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Mountain West Football’s Updated 2024 Matchups Released

The Mountain West revised its college football schedule to include games against wayward Oregon State and Washington State.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS & @MWCwire

What’s new?

The vagaries of college football realignment didn’t directly impact the Mountain West Conference over the last calendar year, but the shockwaves of moves across the country resulted today in a revised slate of matchups that includes the Oregon State Beavers and Washington State Cougars, the two Pac-12 programs left behind by their conference mates’ exodus.

When it was announced that the conference would do away with the Mountain and West divisions in 2022, the conference announced a rotation that would protect two games for each team and extend through the 2025 season. A multitude of Power 5 programs had other plans, however, and when the Big 12, Big Ten, and ACC raided the Pac-12 for ten of its teams throughout 2023, it left Oregon State and Washington State standing alone.

Here are the home and away games that the Mountain West had previously unveiled for 2024:

Air Force, Nevada, and San Diego State will host the Beavers while Boise State, Fresno State, and New Mexico will do the same for the Cougars. Conversely, Colorado State, San Jose State, and UNLV will travel to Corvallis; Hawaii, Utah State, and Wyoming will head to Pullman. None of the games will count as part of the conference standings, however, meaning that each Mountain West team will have seven conference games rather than the usual eight.

The changes, as you might expect, have differing impacts on every Mountain West team’s pre-existing schedule. Air Force, for instance, will get to face Oregon State at home instead of Hawaii, but Colorado State now travels to Oregon State and Nevada rather than Boise and San Diego. As DNVR Sports’s Justin Michael noted, it will be the first time since 2010 that the Rams and Broncos do not face each other. Similarly, Wyoming will now host San Diego State and Utah State rather than Nevada and UNLV.

One interesting twist is that the two teams who played in the Mountain West championship game this month, Boise State and UNLV, are now set to square off at Allegiant Stadium rather than Albertsons Stadium next year. Exact dates for the Mountain West schedule will be released at a later time, but next year’s title game is slated for Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Air Force

Home – Colorado State, Fresno State, San Jose State, Oregon State
Away – Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, Wyoming

Boise State

Home – Nevada, San Diego State, Utah State, Washington State
Away – Hawaii, San Jose State, UNLV, Wyoming

Colorado State

Home – New Mexico, San Jose State, Utah State, Wyoming
Away – Air Force, Fresno State, Nevada, Oregon State

Fresno State

Home – Colorado State, Hawaii, San Jose State, Washington State
Away – Air Force, Nevada, New Mexico, UNLV

Hawaii

Home – Boise State, Nevada, New Mexico, UNLV
Away – Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, Washington State

Nevada

Home – Air Force, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State
Away – Boise State, Hawaii, San Jose State, UNLV

New Mexico

Home – Air Force, Fresno State, Wyoming, Washington State
Away – Colorado State, Hawai‘i, San Diego State, Utah State

San Diego State

Home – Air Force, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oregon State
Away – Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, Wyoming

San Jose State

Home – Boise State, Nevada, UNLV, Wyoming
Away – Air Force, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State

UNLV

Home – Boise State, Fresno State, Nevada, San Diego State
Away – Hawaii, San Jose State, Utah State, Oregon State

Utah State

Home – Hawaii, New Mexico, San Diego State, UNLV
Away – Boise State, Colorado State, Wyoming, Washington State

Wyoming

Home – Air Force, Boise State, San Diego State, Utah State
Away – Colorado State, New Mexico, San Jose State, Washington State

Oregon State

Home – Colorado State, San Jose State, UNLV
Away – Air Force, Nevada, San Diego State

Washington State

Home – Hawaii, Utah State, Wyoming
Away – Boise State, Fresno State, New Mexico

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Mountain West Football: 2023 Bowl Season Opt-Out And Transfer Tracker

The transfer portal is open. NFL Draft prep looms. Business decisions are made. Which players will sit out the Mountain West’s bowl games?

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Mountain West Football: 2023 Bowl Season Opt-Out and Transfer Tracker

The transfer portal is open. NFL Draft prep looms. Business decisions are made. Which players will sit out the Mountain West’s bowl games?

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

Not all the stars will be out in December.

December marks perhaps the busiest time of college football season. Between the upcoming slate of bowl games, the official opening of the transfer portal, and buzz surrounding the game’s brightest stars and their standing in next year’s NFL Draft, players have plenty on their minds when deciding how to finish their season.

Not everyone will choose to stay on the field, though. Check back here throughout the month as we watch which athletes opt out of bowl season, both among the Mountain West’s seven bowl teams and their opponents.

Note: Significant contributors among opponents will be noted in italics.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Air Force

  • Aidan Behymer, TE
  • Caden Blum, DL
  • Mason Carlan, OL
  • John Lee Eldridge III, RB
  • Jonah Jensen, QB
  • Brady Phillips, DL
  • Caleb Rillos, TE
  • Jarius Stewart, QB
  • Anthony Wenson, WR

James Madison

  • Brent Austin, DB
  • Kaelon Black, RB — team-high 594 rushing yards, 23 catches, 220 receiving yards in 2023
  • James Carpenter, DL — FCS Freshman All-American in 2021; two-time all-Sun Belt
  • Aiden Fisher, LB — third-team all-Sun Belt, 91 tackles, seven passes defended, six tackles for loss in 2023
  • Desmond Green, WR
  • Zach Horton, TE — first-team all-Sun Belt, 26 catches, 266 yards, six touchdowns in 2023
  • Taurus Jones, LB — first-team all-Sun Belt, 82 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss in 2022
  • Mikail Kamara, DL — second-team all-Sun Belt, 18.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks in 2023
  • Wayne Knight, RB
  • Ty Son Lawton, RB — 742 all-purpose yards, six total touchdowns in 2023
  • Chauncey Logan, DB — 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, six passes defended in 2023
  • Carter Miller, OL — redshirt freshman, nine starts, 639 snaps at left guard in 2023
  • Abi Nwabuoku-Okonji, DL
  • Tyler Stephens, OL — 30 career starts; four starts each at left guard, right tackle, left tackle in 2023
  • Jailin Walker, LB — 30 career starts; 55 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four passes defended in 2023
  • Tyshawn Wyatt, OL

Starco Brands LA Bowl, Hosted By Gronk

Boise State 

  • Taylen Green, QB
  • Eric McAlister, WR
  • Keenan McCaddy, DB
  • Kivon Wright, DL

UCLA

  • Kam Brown, WR
  • Keegan Jones, WR
  • Laiatu Latu, DL — Ted Hendricks Award winner, Lombardi Award winner, Pac-12 defensive player of the year in 2023
  • Dante Moore, QB — five-star true freshman, five starts in 2023
  • William Nimmo Jr., DB
  • Kamari Ramsey, DB — redshirt freshman safety, 11 starts in 2023
  • Carsen Ryan, TE
  • Jake Wiley, OL

Isleta New Mexico Bowl

Fresno State

  • Tanner Blount, LB
  • Logan Fife, QB
  • Chrishawn Gordon, DB
  • Abraham Montaño, K
  • Hayden Pulis, OL
  • Raymond Scott, LB

New Mexico State

  • Reggie Akles, WR
  • Ta’ir Brooks, WR
  • Jamari Buddin, LB
  • Tyler Devera, TE
  • Trent Hudson, WR — 36 catches, 571 yards, team-high ten touchdowns in 2023
  • PJ Johnson, WR
  • Malachi McLean, DB
  • Jordin Parker, WR
  • Tyriece Thomas, DL

EasyPost Hawaii Bowl

San Jose State

  • Branden Alvarez, WR
  • Fernando Carmona Jr., OL
  • Blake Davis, DB
  • Charlie Leota, DL
  • Anthony Madrigal, OL
  • Dominick Mazotti, TE
  • Elijah Wood, LB

Coastal Carolina

  • CJ Beasley, RB — team-high 717 rushing yards in 2022; 262 rushing yards, two touchdowns in 2023
  • Mason Bowers, OL
  • Jahmar Brown, DB
  • Jared Brown, WR — 2022 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year; 108 career receptions, 1,534 career receiving yards, 11 career touchdowns
  • Bailey Carraway, LB
  • Evan Crenshaw, P — sophomore; 83 career punts, 39.7 career yards per punt
  • Aaron Diggs, DB
  • Jarrett Guest, QB — two starts in 2023 following injury to Grayson McCall
  • Eli Hillman, DB
  • Kaleb Hutchinson, DB
  • Tavyn Jackson, DB
  • JT Killen, LB — 25 career starts; 65 tackles, three tackles for loss in 2023
  • Derrick Maxey, DB
  • Grayson McCall, QB — three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year
  • Tyson Mobley, WR
  • Tre Pinkney, LB
  • Jacob Proche, DB
  • Chris Rhone, WR
  • Braylon Ryan, DL — 38 career games, 21 career starts; 24 tackles, two tackles for loss in 2023
  • Laurence Sullivan, DB
  • Bryson Summers, OL
  • Dami’on Thompson, WR
  • Donnell Wilson, OL

Guaranteed Rate Bowl

UNLV

  • Jordan Jakes, WR
  • Jordyn Morgan, DB

Kansas

  • Will Huggins, TE
  • Reece Thomas, WR

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Utah State

  • William Testa, K
  • Josh Williams, LB

Georgia State

  • KZ Adams, RB
  • Rico Arnold, WR
  • Bryquice Brown, DB — 42 career games; 35 tackles, six passes defended in nine games
  • Marcus Carroll, RB — first-team all-Sun Belt, 1,350 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns
  • Montavious Cunningham, OL — redshirt sophomore, 15 career starts, 737 snaps at right tackle in 2023
  • Jaquon Dixon, RB
  • Cameron Dye, OL
  • Evan Graham, LB
  • JayT Jackson, DB
  • Jordan Jones, LB
  • Robert Lewis, WR — led team with 70 catches, 877 yards, five receiving touchdowns
  • Tony McCray, DB
  • Jalen Tate, DB

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl

Wyoming

  • DQ James, RB
  • Kolbey Taylor, DB

Toledo

  • Dequan Finn, QB — three-time all-MAC, 2023 MAC Vern Smith Leadership Award winner (conference MVP)
  • Jaret Frantz, WR
  • Micah Kelly, RB
  • Brad Ling, K
  • Vinny Sciury, OL — first-team all-MAC in 2023, 836 snaps at left guard
  • Ty Thomas, DL

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UNLV Football: Jacob De Jesus Named Jet Award Finalist

The Rebels return specialist broke out in a big way this season and is a finalist to be named the college football’s best.

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UNLV Football: Jacob De Jesus Named Jet Award Finalist

The Rebels return specialist broke out in a big way this season and is a finalist to be named the college football’s best.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS and @MWCwire

Will a Vegas ace get his due?

The UNLV Rebels have received plenty of help from new contributors during one of the program’s best seasons ever, but few have stood out like Jose Pizano, who was named today as one of three finalists for the Jet Award, named after former Nebraska great Johnny Rodgers and given annually to college football’s top return specialist.

De Jesus joins USC’s Zacariah Branch and Marshall’s Jayden Harrison in the running for this award. He was brought to Las Vegas from Modesto Junior College in California, part of UNLV’s 2023 recruiting class, and didn’t need a lot of time to generate buzz in spring practice. In the fall, he served as UNLV’s top slot receiver and returned both punts and kicks for the Rebels, ranking fourth among all FBS players with 16.1 yards per punt return and 14th with 26.3 yards per kickoff return.

According to Mike’l Severe, the executive director of the Jet Award Foundation, the winner will be announced after bowl season and presented with the honor on April 4, 2024.

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