UNLV (3-0) @ Miami OH (0-2)
Location: Yager Stadium, Oxford, Ohio
Date/Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9:00 AM PST
Broadcast: ESPNU
Lines: UNLV -2.5, O/U 49.5
After starting the season 3-0, UNLV had a bye week. They are fully rejuvenated as they prepare to take on Miami OH. Here’s a look at what to expect from the matchup.
UNLV
Talk about a strong start. For the second year in a row, UNLV has started the season 3-0, and they looked to continue the unbeaten run. The team’s offense has looked great with
Anthony Colandrea leading the way. He’s been efficient, completing 75.4% of his passes for six touchdowns. He’s tallied 647 passing yards over three games and has been a great addition at the quarterback position.
Jaden Bradley has stepped up for the receiving core. He didn’t perform very well last week against UCLA, only hauling in one reception for six yards. Troy Omeire, Daejon Reynolds, and Var’Keyes Gumms have all been solid additions out of the transfer portal, keeping the offense rolling.
The rushing attack has been a strength for the Rebels. Jai’den Thomas has led the way for the ground game. He has four touchdowns and 273 rushing yards. He has slowed down after his first game of the season, but he has the skills necessary to dominate on the ground against Miami OH.
The defense has been the biggest concern for UNLV. They’ve given up 279 passing yards and 159 rushing yards per game. They are ranked in the bottom 15 for passing yards allowed per game. Despite that, Aamaris Brown has been incredible. He leads the nation in interceptions and has 14 tackles on the season. Marsel McDuffie has also been great, being the anchor that the defensive leadership needs.
MIAMI OH
Miami OH has stumbled out of the gates. They started their season with two losses to Wisconsin and Cincinnati. Transfer quarterback Dequan Finn from Baylor has led the offense. He has no passing touchdowns yet on the season, and the team has averaged 8.5 points per game and has only scored two touchdowns on the season.
Keith Reynolds has been Finn’s number one target. He’s hauled in seven receptions for 120 yards. All of those catches and yards came in the game last week against Rutgers. He is fast and is great at chunk plays.
Miami OH rotates the running back position between Kenny Tracy and D’Shauntae Jones. Neither have been great to start, but they are certainly looking to bounce back.
The defense hasn’t been that great either. They’ve allowed 387 yards per game, with struggles stopping the run game. They rank in the bottom 30 in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game. They’ve been able to generate pressure on the quarterback, coming up with six sacks in their two games.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1 Get Jai’den Thomas Going
Thomas hasn’t looked much like himself over the past two games. Miami OH’s defense has struggled to stop the ground game, so if Jai’den Thomas can get back into his groove, it’ll help UNLV get the offense moving and get Thomas back into rhythm.
2 Don’t Let Miami Score
Miami averaged 8.5 points per game and was shut out by Wisconsin. Miami’s offense has been weak, and UNLV’s defense has a chance to set the tone and start producing. If the Rebels can stop a group that is looking for its rhythm, it’ll be a good confidence boost heading into Mountain West conference play.
3 Don’t Fall Behind in Early Start
The game starts at 9, the first time a game has started this early for the Rebels. Slow mornings can lead to a slow start. The Rebels need to stay sharp and set the tone early so they can control the game.
PREDICTIONS
I think this spread is disrespectful to UNLV. Miami has struggled offensively, and the Rebels have been tremendous offensively. If Jai’den Thomas dominates on the ground, this game won’t even be close. I believe UNLV will win 34-13 and get a big road win before the start of conference play.
