The BYU Cougars and the UNLV Rebels will face off Saturday evening at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. The two teams enter the contest headed in opposite directions.
BYU is coming off back to back comfortable home victories. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall has the team playing well. The offense has moved the ball effectively; the defense has held their own. The Cougars appear poised to compete for the MWC championship.
UNLV is coming off back to back embarrassing road losses. Head coach Mike Sanford has the fans calling for his head. The offense is putting points on the board; the defense isn’t putting up a fight. The Rebels appear doomed to fight off a last place finish.
The Cougars will be looking to build momentum.
The Rebels are hoping it’s not too late.
To be honest, it doesn’t look good for UNLV. Based on recent performance, this is a complete mismatch. However, the Rebels are desperate to prove that the disaster in Reno was a fluke. A visit from a nationally ranked opponent provides the perfect opportunity to do so.
Keys to the Game:
A Winning Mindset
Before they ever take the field, the Rebels must repair their shattered psyche. Last week, they were humiliated. They cannot let that sensation linger.
Somehow, UNLV must regain their confidence, and they must play like they expect to win. A tentative or half-hearted effort will have the Rebels struggling through another long, painful defeat.
Home Field Advantage?
While the scoreboard may indicate that BYU are the visitors, the atmosphere will provide a different feeling. Sam Boyd Stadium is truly the Cougars second home.
Though it may disgust local Rebel fans, there will be more blue at Sam Boyd than red. Ironic as it may seem, “sin city” is replete with BYU supporters. Factor in the six hour drive down from Provo (which thousands of the Cougar faithful will make) and the result is essentially a neutral environment.
UNLV played poorly in the first half of each of their first three home games. If they allow BYU to get rolling early, the Cougar fans will be loud, rowdy, and raucous.
After the last two weeks, should the Rebels come out sluggish, some of their own will turn on them.
Take it Away
Max Hall leads the nation in interceptions thrown (10). Only six defenses have intercepted fewer passes (two) than UNLV.
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