Tag: Jayden Maiava

Report: Georgia targeting UNLV QB in the transfer portal

Georgia and USC are battling to land a commitment from coveted UNLV transfer quarterback

The Georgia Bulldogs are targeting UNLV transfer quarterback Jayden Maiava, per Graham Coffey of the Players’ Lounge. Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart noted that the Bulldogs like to have four scholarship quarterbacks. However, Georgia only has three scholarship quarterbacks on their roster entering the spring.

Georgia’s current back up quarterback is projected to be Gunner Stockton. The Dawgs’ second-string quarterback in 2023, Brock Vandagriff, transferred to Kentucky this offseason.

Georgia’s top competition for Maiava is the USC Trojans. USC has a lot to offer to quarterbacks due to head coach Lincoln Riley’s history of success developing elite players at the position.

What should Georgia fans know about UNLV transfer quarterback Jayden Maiava?

Former UNLV QB and Mountain West Freshman of The Year set to visit USC

This would make sense for USC as a QB2 behind Miller Moss at QB1.

According to Pete Nakos of On3.com, the USC Trojans are set to have former UNLV Rebels QB Jayden Maiava on a official visit.

Mountain West Freshman of The Year Jayden Maiava completed 63.5% of his passes for 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Maiava also added 277 rushing yards and three scores on the ground, earning Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors.

The 6-4, 220-pound true freshman was a three-star QB prospect out of powerhouse Liberty High School in Nevada. He is now rated as a four-star transfer, according to 247Sports.

Maiava will have three or four years of eligibility remaining and will be able to suit up immediately for the 2024 season.

Miller Moss is the projected starting quarterback, but he is also the only scholarship QB on the roster right now. Adding depth at the position is a must; most Power Five schools carry three to four on their roster.

Maiava makes sense as a backup quarterback for 2024 who would have a chance to be the starter in 2025 after learning the USC system in 2024. Because Maiava is a young quarterback, he would have multiple years in which to make a name for himself at USC even after sitting out in 2024.

This would give USC a quarterback situation akin to what Oregon has, with Dillon Gabriel as the QB1 for 2024 and Dante Moore patiently waiting his turn for 2025.

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UNLV Rebels Fell to Boise State 44-20 in Mountain West Championship

The UNLV Rebels hosted the Boise State Broncos in the Mountain West Conference Championship

The UNLV Rebels hosted the Boise State Broncos in the Mountain West Conference Championship. There were 31,473 fans in attendance, but that did not matter to the Broncos as they beat the Rebels 44-20.

The early part of the game was a back-and-forth, and both teams scored 14 points in the first quarter. UNLV’s touchdowns came on a five-yard rush from Vincent Davis Jr. and then a thrilling 47-yard interception return by linebacker Fred Thompkins to even things up.

However, Boise State converted two Rebel turnovers into 10 points en route to taking a 31-17 halftime lead, limiting the hosts to three points after the break, and never looking back after that, outscoring UNLV 13-3 in the second half.

Unable to Stop the Run

The Rebels’ run defense could not stop the Broncos rushing attack, as they rushed for 301 yards. Ashton Jeanty led Boise State with 153 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. George Holani added 76 yards, along with quarterback Taylen Green rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns. One of Green’s touchdowns was a 70-yard run. It is hard to win games, giving up 301 rushing yards and 5.9 yards per carry.

Turnovers

Rebels quarterback Jayden Maiava had a tough day at the office, turning the ball over three times (two interceptions and a loss fumble). He passed for 166 yards but threw no touchdowns.

Unable to Run the Ball

It was a tough day for the Rebels as the Broncos took away their rushing attack. UNLV rushed for 81 yards on 28 rush attempts, which is suitable for 2.9 yards per carry. Vincent Davis Jr. led the team in rushing with 55 yards and a touchdown.

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Ultimately, the Broncos had an old-school football mentality: run the ball and stop the run, and they executed it well. They also had efficient quarterback play, while Green only threw 15 times; he did complete 12 of those attempts. Green also threw two touchdown passes.

UNLV vs. Boise State: How The Rebels Can Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

On Saturday, the UNLV Rebels will take on the Boise State Broncos in the Mountain West Conference (MWC Championship game.

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UNLV vs. Boise State: How The Rebels Can Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Rebels look to complete their stunning rise to the top of the Mountain West on Saturday afternoon. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

Potential history to be made in Las Vegas.

2023 MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: Boise State Broncos (7-5, 6-2 Mountain West) vs. UNLV Rebels (9-3, 6-2 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, December 2nd — 1:00 p.m. MST / 12:00 p.m. PST

WHERE: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada

TV: FOX

STREAM: FuboTV – Get a free trial

SERIES RECORD: This will be the 12th all-time matchup between the two schools. Boise State leads the series 8-3. The Rebels have lost the last six meetings.

WEBSITES: BroncoSports.com | UNLVRebels.com

ODDS: Boise State -3

SP+ PROJECTION: UNLV by 1.0

FEI PROJECTION: Even

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: UNLV 53.87% win probability (29.92-19.79)

On Saturday, the UNLV Rebels will take on the Boise State Broncos in the Mountain West Conference (MWC Championship game. It should be an exciting game and highly contested. Both teams have a good chance of winning.

Pass to set up the run

The Rebels like to run the ball, but the Broncos feature the second-best run defense in the MWC, giving up 127.2 yards per game. This game was where UNLV could use the pass to set up the run. Boise State gives up 254.8 passing yards per game, which is last in the MWC.

Rebels quarterback Jayden Maiava has thrown for 2,628 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Receiver Ricky White leads the Rebels with 75 receptions, 1,300 yards, and seven touchdowns. Look for UNLV to use quick passing and get the ball to White early so it can loosen the Broncos’ defense, then the Rebels can run.

Stop the run

UNLV must be successful in slowing down the Boise State rushing attack. The Broncos average 207.7 yards per game. They are led by Ashton Jeanty, the Mountain West offensive player of the year who averaged 164.6 all-purpose yards per game and scored 18 touchdowns, though George Holani contributed when healthy with 534 yards and five touchdowns in six games and freshman Jambres Dubar flashed his potential with 335 yards on 62 attempts.

UNLV gives up 144.6 rushing yards per game and 4.2 yards per rush, so they must tackle well and play in the correct gaps to slow down the Broncos’ rushing attack. If UNLV can slow down the Boise State running game and force them to pass, they will have a great chance of winning. UNLV’s leading tackler, Jackson Woodard, must be all over the field for the Rebels.

Special teams

The Rebels have an excellent kicker, Jose Pizano, who was recently named a Lou Groza Award finalist, has made all 50 of his extra points, and has connected on 23-of-25 field goals, the longest coming from 52 yards. Returner Jacob DeJesus averages 26.4 yards on kickoff and 16.8 yards on punt returns, both of which led the Mountain West. In close games, field position and field goals can be crucial, and the Rebels have players who can be game-changers on special teams.

Prediction

The Rebels will win  27-24 with a Pizano last-second field goal. I think UNLV will slow down the Broncos rushing attack and make plays in the passing game.

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UNLV Rebels gain sole possession of 1st place in Mountain West

With a 31- 27 win over Air Force, the UNLV Rebels are now in sole possession of first place in the Mountain West. 

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With a 31- 27 win over Air Force, the UNLV Rebels are now in sole possession of first place in the Mountain West. 

”What a great performance by our kids,” Barry Odon said in a press conference. “We started the game extremely well. Then they made some adjustments and were having success. We made some adjustments there in the second quarter and then at halftime.  Staying in the arena is something we’ve talked about since we got started – let’s go 60 minutes and play one play at a time – and tonight was a really great test of that for everybody in the organization. I’m so happy for our guys, our team and our university to get that win.”

Early in the first quarter, Jayden Maiava threw a 78-yard touchdown pass to Ricky White, giving UNLV a 7-0 lead.

 

Later in the quarter, with the Rebels driving to try to go up by double digits, Maiava threw an interception, and the Falcons’ momentum swung to Air Force. After the interception, the Falcons went on to score 24 unanswered points.

Air Force led 27-14 at halftime but did not score another point. The Rebels outscored the Falcons 17-0 to win.

After giving up 200-plus yards rushing in the first half, the Rebels did a better job controlling their rushing attack in the second half.

Despite throwing two interceptions, freshman quarterback Jayden Maiava improved to 7-1 as a starting quarterback, finishing 15 of 29 for 339 yards and two touchdowns.

Ricky White caught eight passes for 169 yards and a touchdown, and Kaleo Ballungay caught two for 90 yards and a score.

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Defensively, the Rebels were led by a pair of linebackers. Marsel McDuffie totaled 15 tackles (10 solo) and a forced fumble, while Jackson Woodard added nine stops and had a critical quarterback sack in the game-winning stand.

“On defense, Coach (Mike) Scherer and his staff did an unbelievable job,” Odom said. “The kids showed toughness, resolve, and resilience, overcoming some penalties and adversity.”

How UNLV can Beat Air Force: Preview, Predictions, How To Stream

In a battle for first place in the Mountain West, UNLV will travel to take on Air Force.

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WEEK 12: UNLV Rebels (8-2-6, 5-1 MW) Air Force Falcons (8-2, 5-1 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th – 12:30 pm PT/1:30 pm MT

WHERE: Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, Colorado

TV: CBSSN

STREAM: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: : ESPN 1100 AM & 100.9 FM (Russ Langer, Caleb Herring & Steve Cofield)

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads 18-6 and has won the last five meetings

LAST WEEK: UNLV beat Wyoming 34-14, while Air Force Lost to Hawaii 27-13

In a battle for first place in the Mountain West, UNLV will travel to take on Air Force. The Rebels have won five of their first six league outings for the first time since finishing 5-1 in Big West in 1994. The Rebels have shattered program records for 40+point games for both consecutive outings (four) and in a season (six) while scoring at least 24 points in eight straight games for the first time since they moved to Division One in 1978. UNLV’s current total of 31 rushing touchdowns is second in the nation behind only USC (32) and the most for a Rebel team since running in 34 in 1975.

UNLV is tied for sixth nationally in turnover margin at plus-10 — powered by 13 interceptions (T7th nationally). The Rebels sit fifth nationally in third-down conversion rate at 53.8%, and their 84 third-down conversions are eight more than any other team. 

Slow Down The Run

When facing the Air Force, you must slow down their outstanding rushing attack. The Falcons average 275.9 rushing yards per game. They run the triple option, which is hard to stop.

Emmanuel Michel leads them in rushing with 733 yards, and quarterback Zac Larrier adds 5779 yards on the ground.

UNLV must play a sound, disciplined defense. The front seven must maintain gap control and not overcommit. Tackling will also be essential. You cannot miss tackles against Air Force; they will make you pay for it.

Run The Ball

The Rebels like to run the football; they average 195.7 yards per game. The Rebels have three running backs who have rushed for over 400 yards: Vincent Davis Jr. (553), Jai’Den Thomas (420), and Donavyn Lester (418). Also, Thomas has nine touchdowns, Lester eight, and Davis four. But the Falcons have the Mountain West Conference’s best defense and only give up 86 yards per game. So something will have to give. The Rebels will need success running the ball to keep the Falcons offense off the field.

Maiava Must Make Plays

With the Falcons’ outstanding rush defense, the Rebels must make plays in the passing game. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has yet to be asked to do much this season, but this may change on Saturday. Since taking over the starting quarterback job from Doug Brumfield, Maiava has passed for 2,060 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions. If Maiava can make plays in the passing game, it could help the Rebels win.

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The Falcons’ attempt to stop the run could leave receiver Ricky White one-on-one with defenders. White leads UNLV with 62 catches for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns.

Prediction

Air Force is a favorite by three. UNLV wins a tough battle 21-20

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UNLV Football: How the Rebels Can Beat Fresno State, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The UNLV Rebels have their real test this Saturday night against the Fresno State Bulldogs on the road. These programs have played each other as part of three different conferences (Big West, WAC, and now MW), and Fresno State leads the overall series 18-7.

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Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023

Time: 7:30 PM PT

TV: Fox Sports 1

Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo

City: Fresno, California

Venue: Bulldog Stadium at Jim Sweeney Field

Odds: Fresno State -9

The UNLV Rebels have their real test this Saturday night against the Fresno State Bulldogs on the road. These programs have played each other as part of three different conferences (Big West, WAC, and now MW), and Fresno State leads the overall series 18-7. This marks the first time these teams will play on a Saturday in three years, as the last two meetings occurred on a Friday night.

UNLV, who is receiving votes in both major polls for the first time since 2003, is bowl-eligible for the first time since playing in the Heart of Dallas Bowl after the 2013 season.

Rushing Attack

For the Rebels to win this game, they must lean on their rushing attack. UNLV averages 209 yards per game. The Rebels have three running backs with over 300 yards rushing on the season. Vincent Davis Jr. leads the team with 388 yards, Donavyn Lester adds 325 yards, and Jai” Den Thomas has 319.

The Rebels rushing attack is critical because it keeps them in third and manageable; now, UNLV converts 53% of their third down conversions. The Bulldogs do a decent job stopping the run, giving up 114 yards per game; that’s good for second in the Mountain West.

Slow Down Bulldogs

On Defense, the Rebels must slow down the Fresno State offense; they averaged 34 points per game. They pass the ball well with Mikey Keene, who has passed for 1,692 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. The Bulldogs can also run the ball with Malik Sherrod and Elijah Gilliam. 

The Rebels must focus on stopping the run and putting pressure on Keene to make him uncomfortable.

Turnovers

The turnover battle will be key on Saturday night. Who wins the turnover battle will likely win. Rebels quarterback Jayden Maiava must refrain from turning the ball over. With the Bulldogs focusing on stopping the run, there will be plays to be made down the field; that’s when Ricky White should come into play.

Prediction

Bulldogs winning a classic game in the final seconds, 28-27.

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UNLV Rebels at Nevada Wolfpack: Keys to a Rebels Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Rebels come into the game with a three-game winning streak and will look to make it four and keep the Cannon trophy.

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WEEK 7 UNLV Rebels (4-1, 1-0 Mountain West) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack (0-5, 1-1 Mountain West)

WHEN: Saturday, October 14 — 2:00 p.m. PT

Where: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada

TV: Mountain West Network, SSSEN, Nevada Sports Net

Radio: ESPN 1100 AM & 100.9FM.SiriusXM 392

Series: Nevada holds a 28-20 series lead

Odds: UNLV – 9.5

The Rebels come into the game with a three-game winning streak and will look to make it four and keep the Cannon trophy. UNLV won last year’s meeting 27-22 and three out of the previous five in Reno.

Why UNLV will win

The Rebels’ defense will gear up to stop the Wolfpacks’ rushing attack; they only average 3.1 yards per rush so far this season. Nevada’s passing attack has been nonexistent this season. Wolfpack quarterback Brendon Lewis has thrown no touchdowns and four interceptions this season. 

UNLV will stack the box and force the Wolfpack to beat them with the pass. Last week, the Rebels defense played aggressively against Hawaii and had six quarterback sacks.

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The Rebels will run the ball with a solid rushing attack led by Jai’Den Thomas and Vincent Davis. Thomas has rushed for a team-high 273 yards and seven touchdowns., while Davis adds 256 and one touchdown. The rushing attack will help lead UNLV to victory.

Jayden Maiava has taken over the quarterback duties, but he did not have to do much last week with the rushing attack leading the way. So far this season, he has completed 57.4% of his passes and thrown for three touchdowns and two interceptions. Maiava has also run for 115 yards and one touchdown. he is more of the game manager.

But with the Wolfpack gearing up to stop the run, there will be chances for Maiava to make some plays down the field to leading receiver Ricky White, who has 23 catches for 319 yards.

Prediction

UNLV will win the game 35-21; the Rebels are putting together a solid season; they can not afford to have a letdown to a winless Nevada team.

UNLV Football: Rebels beat Hawaii 44-20 to take home the Golden Pineapple

The UNLV Rebels beat the Hawaii Warriors 44-20 to win the Golden Pineapple trophy on Saturday afternoon. It was the third straight game the Rebels have scored 40 or more points.

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The UNLV Rebels beat the Hawaii Warriors 44-20 to win the Golden Pineapple trophy on Saturday afternoon. It was the third straight game the Rebels have scored 40 or more points.

 

“This game was not only important to our team and to our university but also to Las Vegas,” Rebels head coach Barry Odom said. With conference play starting, the ability to continue the momentum we have built so far in our program and the importance of every single conference game are huge for where we are trying to get to. This is the first time we have scored 40 points in three straight games; that’s tremendous. We had a great offensive performance. We had six sacks and didn’t give up any on the other side. That’s complimentary football. When we can do that and play well in all three phases together, we’ve got an opportunity to continue to play winning ball … I’m proud of this team for what we’ve done now through five weeks.”

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The Rebels were led by an outstanding rushing attack that netted 307 yards. Six different Rebel runners finished with more than 30 yards on the ground, led by Donavyn Lester’s best day with UNLV (98 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries). Courtney Reese added two rushing touchdowns on 32 yards.

“We just enjoy being around the team, the players on a team, running back Donavyn Lester said. “We just try to build each other up every day. We have many selfless guys who don’t care who gets the ball.” 

UNLV’s defense played well; they held the Warriors to 46 yards rushing and had six sacks on the day. Safety Johnathan Baldwin finished with nine tackles, including two for a loss and a sack.

 Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed only 11 passes, but two were touchdowns, including a 16-yarder to running back Vincent Davis Jr. to open the scoring as the Rebels built a 20-3 halftime lead and never looked back.

The Rebels played aggressive man-to-man defense and gave up some long passes; once they clean that up, their defense would be even better. Rebels defensive coordinator Mike Scherer brought in a new scheme that works for the Rebels.

“The Scheme he brought in allows us to play fast run and make many plays. His motto is run and hit,” Rebels safety Johnathan Baldwin said.

 

Why The UNLV Rebels Can Win, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The UNLV Rebels open up Mountain West play against the Hawaii Warriors on Saturday at home.

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WEEK 5: UNLV Rebels 3-1 vs. Hawaii Warriors Cowboys 2-3,

WHEN: Saturday, September 30, 1 PM PT

WHERE:  Allegiant Stadium; Las Vegas, NV

TV: Spectrum Pay-Per-View (Hawaii only) and Silver State Sports and Entertainment Network (southern Nevada only) or Team 1 Sports app

RADIO: The Hawaii broadcast can be found and streamed on ESPN Honolulu or the Sideline Hawaii app, which is available on Google and Apple). The UNLV broadcast can be found on ESPN 1100 AM and 100.9 FM.

SERIES RECORD: Hawaii leads the all-time series, 19-13. In the last meeting on November 19, 2022, the Warriors defeated the Rebels, 31-25, in Honolulu.

LAST GAME : Hawaii defeated New Mexico State at home, 20-17, while UNLV beat UTEP on the road, 48-20.

WEBSITES:  HawaiiAthletics.com, the official Hawaii athletics website | UNLVRebels.com, the official UNLV athletics website

GAME NOTES: Hawaii | UNLV

ODDS:  UNLV -11

Hawaii vs. UNLV: Why The Warriors Can Win, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The UNLV Rebels open up Mountain West play against the Hawaii Warriors on Saturday at home. UNLV has started strong this season but has lost the last four out of five Golden Pineapple games.

Execute the quick passing game

Both quarterbacks for the Rebels, Doug Brumfield and Jayden Maiava, do a great job quickly getting the ball out of their hands. Getting the ball out fast does not allow the pass rush to be effective and could serve as an extension to the running game. Look for the Rebels to get the ball into the hands of Ricky White, then with the Go-Go offense.

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Running the ball

Both Vincent Davis Jr. and Jai’Den Thomas have 2011 yards rushing, Thomas with seven rushing touchdowns. The Rebels have run the ball 159 times this season and passed 114 times. Running the ball wears the defense down and keeps the opposing offense off the field. Limiting the opposing team’s possession is always a good thing. The Rebels do an excellent job of converting on third downs with a 52.4 third conversion percentage.

Ability to force turnovers

The Rebels defense has forced nine turnovers so far this season, but they also have given up a lot of big plays this season; they must keep that under wraps Saturday. But their ability to force turnovers can create extra opportunities for their offense. Hawaii will look to pass the ball down the field, so there will be plays to be made for the Rebels’ defense.

Prediction

UNLV has been playing well this season, but Hawaii can put up points if UNLV is not careful. But the Rebels will score points and force a couple of turnovers to take home the Victory.

UNLV 38-21