Idaho State (0-0) @ UNLV (0-0)
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Date/Time: Saturday August 23, 2024, 1:00 PM PST
Broadcast: Mountain West Network
Lines: UNLV -25.5, O/U 64.5
Football season is FINALLY here and the Dan Mullen era will begin with a week zero FBS vs. FCS matchup as UNLV takes on Idaho State. Here’s a look at what to expect in this matchup.
UNLV
UNLV enters the new season with high hopes. Dan Mullen is starting fresh with a completely revamped roster. There aren’t many returning starters,
and Dan Mullen is still trying to figure out who will start and there isn’t a better way to figure that out than a week 0 matchup against Idaho State.
The team will probably go through a few speed bumps to start the season. It’s a brand new group of guys that will be figuring things out. Idaho State is a familiar foe for the Rebels. They have gone head to head ten times and UNLV leads the series going 7-2.
There is still a big question mark for the UNLV offense and that’s who will be leading it? Dan Mullen implied that both Alex Orji and Anthony Colandrea will both get reps during this game.
Idaho State
Last year, Idaho State went 5-7 and were middle of the pack in a loaded Big Sky Conference. Head Coach Cody Hawkins is entering his 3rd season coaching in the ICCU Dome. Hawkins received a five-year contract extension this offseason which shows the schools confidence in his ability to lead this team. His team was voted in both the Big Sky Preseason Media & Coaches Poll at seventh in the conference.
Idaho State is known for throwing the ball, their quarterback last year Kobe Tracy was 10th in FCS with 3077 passing yards. Jordan Cooke is the man who will be replacing Tracy this season and he looks to lead the offense to another productive passing season. Their receiving core is led by Ian Duarte who had 504 receiving yards last season. He looks to take over for Jeff Weimer, who was the team’s best receiver last year.
Idaho State’s defense is led by their new defensive coordinator Grant Duff and they revamped after improving a lot last season. The unit recorded 20 sacks and 61 tackles for loss last season with multiple great plays on both sides of the ball.
All in all, this Idaho State team doesn’t pose too much of a threat to UNLV, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t cause damage. Here are some keys to the game that will ensure a UNLV victory.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1 Keep the Stands Loud
Dan Mullen said that the atmosphere is set by students, so the students have to show out. School doesn’t start until Monday, but that’s no excuse for a weak student section. They are allowing students to sit at field level bleachers to get that energy going. The crowd HAS to be in the game. It’s the first game of the season and the season needs to start with a great crowd performance. If the fans show out, the players will show out for the fans.
2 Quarterback Play
Alex Orji and Anthony Colandrea will both be given opportunities in the game. Both of them need to shine and make a case for themselves to be the starter of the team. They also need to reduce mistakes. If they are able to reduce mistakes, there’s nothing to worry about in this game. If they slip up though, they could be cracking the door open for a potential upset.
3 Reduce the Pass Game of Idaho State
The passing game for Idaho State was strong last year. The quarterback position has changed for them but Coach Hawkins loves chunk plays downfield. Kodi DeCambara needs to lead the secondary to stop those plays and that way they can limit Idaho State’s offensive efficiency.
PREDICTIONS
I believe that UNLV will dominate Idaho State. They’re an FCS that struggled last year. UNLV should have no trouble offensively, as long as they stop Idaho State’s deep ball there’s no worries at all. I believe that UNLV will win 45-17.
