UNLV has already shown it can hang with the big boys.
The Rebels own two wins over Power Four teams this year. This week, they have a chance to show Oregon State why they should have been included in the first round of Pac-12 expansion.
The Rebels hit the road Saturday to face Oregon State at 10 p.m. ET on The CW.
UNLV scored at least 50 points for the third time this season in last week’s 50-34 win over Utah State. The Rebels are scoring 45.3 points a game, which ranks No. 2 in the Mountain West. Only Boise State (46.8) is producing more points.
Led by co-preseason defensive player of the year, linebacker Jackson Woodard, the Rebels are giving up 22.2 points a game, which also ranks No. 2 in the conference behind Hawaii (20.5). UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams has posted 11 touchdowns (nine passing and two rushing) in three games since taking over for Matthew Sluka.
Oregon State is led by running back Anthony Hankerson, who has posted 639 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground this season.
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UNLV at Oregon State Betting Line
UNLV is a seven-point college football betting odds favorite, and the Over/Under is 59.5 points. The Rebels are 6-14 against the spread in their past 20 games as a favorite on the road. Oregon State is 9-11 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home.
UNLV at Oregon State Prediction
I predict UNLV wins 34-24.
The Rebels’ offense has been rolling since Williams took over, and wide receiver Ricky White has been unstoppable in recent weeks. He has produced three straight 100-yard receiving performances, including a season-high 138 yards against Utah State. Pair that with the best defense in the Mountain West, and UNLV is a nightmare matchup. I think the Rebels will pick up a big win heading into an even bigger matchup against No. 15 Boise State next week.
Fresno State at Nevada Pick
How to watch: 10:30 ET. CBS Sports Network
Betting line: Fresno State is a three-point favorite and the Over/Under is 49.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Nevada wins 17-14. Nevada scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and knocked off Oregon State last week despite racking up just 69 passing yards. The Wolf Pack leaned on a dominant rushing attack, led by Savion Red’s 137 yards and four touchdowns. I believe Red and athletic quarterback Brendon Lewis, who rushed for 151 yards against the Beavers, will lead Nevada to another win.
Hawaii at Washington State Pick
How to watch: 3:30 p.m. ET, The CW
Betting line: Washington State is an 18.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 55.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Washington State wins 30-24. The Cougars gave up 220 passing yards last week against Fresno State. This week, they’ll face another high-powered passing attack, led by quarterback Brayden Schager, who leads the Mountain West with 265.3 passing yards a game. Washing State quarterback John Mateer may lead his team to a win, but I don’t see the Cougars covering that massive spread.
New Mexico at Utah State Pick
How to watch: 4 p.m. ET, TruTV/Max
Betting line: New Mexico is a 1.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 78.5 points.
Prediction: I predict New Mexico wins 27-21. New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier racked up 229 yards of offense and three touchdowns last week to lead the Lobos to their second straight 50-point performance. The offense should stay hot this week against a Utah State defense that is giving up a conference-worst 42.8 points a game.
Wyoming at San Jose State Pick
How to watch: 4 p.m. ET, Mountain West Network/NBC Sports Bay Area
Betting line: San Jose State is an 11.5-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 51.5 points.
Prediction: I predict San Jose State wins 24-10. San Jose State came up short against Colorado State last week, but I believe Wyoming won’t be able to contain the Spartans’ passing attack, which is led by wide receiver Nick Nash. He leads the Mountain West with 61 catches for 806 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Colorado State at Air Force Pick
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network
Betting line: Colorado State is a seven-point favorite, and the Over/Under is 44.5 points.
Prediction: I predict Colorado State wins 38-17. The Rams just knocked off a good team from San Jose State, and I believe Air Force’s offense will not be able to hang with Colorado State’s offense.
