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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.