UNLV (6-2) @ Colorado State (2-6)
Location: Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, CO
Date/Time: Saturday, November 8th, 6:30 PM PST
Broadcast: FS1
Lines: UNLV -4.5, O/U 62.5
After getting off to a scorching hot start,
UNLV has fizzled in recent weeks, losing two straight to Boise State and New Mexico. The team looks to reignite as they travel to Fort Collins to take on Colorado State, who have had their own struggles. The Rams have gone extremely downhill after a 8-5 season just a year ago, they sit at 2-6 more than halfway through this season. Colorado State also fired head coach Jay Norvell on October 19 and are now under interim Tyson Summers.
UNLV
Despite the 40-35 loss last week to New Mexico, quarterback Anthony Colandrea continued his stretch of spectacular performances, completing 36-of-46 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns. That was good for the highest passing yards he’s thrown for a game in his career and now he has exactly 2,000 passing yards on the season. He has led the offense to at least 20 points in each game this season, which continues a streak of up to 30 regular season games, which is the second-longest active streak in the FBS.
After starting the year dominant, running back Jai’den Thomas has also slowed down looking to bounce back. He hasn’t gotten over 40 rushing yards in back to back games after starting the year with getting at least 60 rushing yards per game. Despite the lack of success recently, Thomas still averages 6.8 yards per carry, which is ranked seventh in the nation. Thomas also made an effort in the backfield setting a school record for most receptions in a game by a running back last week with 11 receptions. The back behind him, Keyvone Lee has been a good second option, scoring a touchdown last week against New Mexico.
The receiving core is still headlined by wide receiver Jaden Bradley, who has been Colandrea’s favorite option. Bradley has 586 receiving yards and four touchdowns on the season. Wide receiver DaeDae Reynolds had an exceptional performance last week catching five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.
The defense has been exhausting for the Rebels lately. Even when the offense averages 36.9 points per game, the defense gives up just about as much with 34.3 points per game, which is ranked in the bottom ten in the nation. The Rebels can get the takeaways needed to help stop opposing offenses, but that’s the only way the defensive unit has been able to stop those offenses.
COLORADO STATE
Off to an extremely rough start, the Colorado State Rams are focusing more towards the future after firing Jay Norvell. Interim head coach Tyson Summers was the team’s defensive coordinator and has stepped up in his new leadership role.
The offense is led by quarterback Jackson Brousseau who was expected to be the backup quarterback for quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi this season, but his number was called against UTSA and he led the Rams to two touchdown drives which got him the starting job. Since then he’s thrown for 840 yards and six touchdowns while throwing three picks.
The Rams have a solid core of running backs with Jalen Dupree, Lloyd Avant, and Justin Marshall. Dupree averages 5.1 yards per carry, Avant averages 5.6, and Marshall averages 6.8. There are a wide variety of options in the backfield. Dupree has gotten the most carries and he had a phenomenal game against San Diego State that saw him get his first career 100+ yard rushing performance.
The passing game hasn’t been the greatest for the Rams, only averaging 188 passing yards per game, but one of Brousseau’s favorite targets is wide receiver Armani Winfield, who has 268 yards on the season with two touchdowns.
The defense has a star at the linebacker position with Owen Long leading the way. Long leads the nation in tackles per game with 12.9. He has been named an AP Midseason All-America Second Team selection at the linebacker position. Another star is defensive back Lemondre Joe, who is tied for the national lead with 11 pass breakups.
The defense for Colorado State despite the star power also hasn’t been the greatest. The Rams give up 27.1 points per game and even more eyepopping, give up 177.8 rushing yards per game.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Get Jet Flying
The Rams give up a lot of rushing yards and Jai’Den Thomas hasn’t been doing the greatest lately. Due to this fact, Jet needs to take advantage of what the defense gives him and break through gaps and break out for big runs.
2. Show Up on Defense
The defense has great players. Defensive back Aamaris Brown is still ranked in the top ten in the country with interceptions. Linebacker Marsel McDuffie has been a tackling machine. These performances need to spread to the rest of defense. The defense needs to perform at the rate of the offense and help out if they want a chance to win this game.
3. Throw the Ball DEEP
The Rams have nine sacks on the season, that’s not a lot. The Rams don’t have the best quarterback pressure, which means Colandrea will have time in the pocket to let a deep ball play develop. That could be a difference maker.
PREDICTIONS
UNLV needs to get back in the win column if they want a chance to make the Mountain West Championship game. I believe UNLV will take advantage of Colorado State’s run defense and win 33-24.
