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ESPN Vegas' Cofield previews Memphis vs UNLV witih J&J

J&J interviewed ESPN Las Vegas UNLV Insider Steve Cofield

memphis-tigersunlv-rebelsunlv-footballmemphis-footballlas-vegas

Allegiant Stadium

Allegiant Stadium

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92.9 FM ESPN
By 92.9 FM ESPN

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Published Aug 18, 2026, 12:30 PM CTUpdated Aug 18, 2026, 12:30 PM CT
Memphis TigersSports929espn
  • Season opener with major stakes: Memphis and UNLV meet in one of the marquee Group of Five matchups of Week 0, with the winner earning an early résumé boost in the race for a potential College Football Playoff berth.


    • J&J interviewed ESPN Las Vegas UNLV Rebels Insider Steve Cofield on Tuesday (8/18) to preview the Memphis vs. UNLV Football matchup:

  • First-ever meeting: Despite decades of football history, the Tigers and Rebels have never played before. Saturday marks the first matchup in the new home-and-home series.
  • National spotlight: The game kicks off the 2026 season from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, giving both programs a standalone national audience in Week 0.
  • Charles Huff era begins: Memphis opens the season under first-year head coach Charles Huff, who is looking to make an immediate statement against one of the top teams in the Mountain West.
  • Quarterback watch: Memphis has rotated Marcus Stokes and Air Noland during fall camp, while UNLV has also entered the week with questions at quarterback, making the position battle one of the game's biggest storylines.
  • Challenge on the ground: Slowing UNLV running back Jai'Den Thomas will be a top priority for the Tigers' defense after his productive 2025 season as both a runner and receiver.
  • Road test right away: Memphis opens with back-to-back road games against UNLV and Boise State, making a fast start critical to building momentum.
  • Playoff implications: Both teams are viewed as leading Group of Five contenders, so this game could have lasting impact on postseason rankings and tiebreakers.
  • Hostile environment: Allegiant Stadium provides a unique NFL venue for the Tigers' season opener and one of the more challenging road atmospheres on the 2026 schedule.
  • Betting outlook: UNLV enters the week as roughly a touchdown favorite, highlighting the challenge Memphis faces in its season opener.


    • Full coverage of the Memphis Tigers live on 92.9 FM ESPN, Memphis' Sports Station

    J&J interviewed ESPN Las Vegas UNLV Insider Steve Cofield

    memphis-tigersunlv-rebelsunlv-footballmemphis-footballlas-vegas

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