Photo credit Louis Grasse/Getty Images
The UNLV Football Rebels have become the darlings of college football, literally overnight. First-year head coach Barry Odom not only has the program going bowling for the first time in a decade, his Rebels are in position to host the Mountain West Championship game and play for the league title for the first time. At 9-2/6-1, the first-place Rebels have moved closer to the title game.
The Rebels are in a good position. UNLV would host the MWC Championship game with a win. Boise State (which plays Air Force Friday, 1pm) would make the title game with a win and a Rebel victory. San Jose State, UNLV's opponent on Saturday, makes the title game with a win and an Air Force win. The Falcons need a win and a UNLV win. If there is a three-way tie, UNLV would in all likelihood host the game because it has a higher computer ranking than the remaining three teams in contention.
"This is where we want to be going into this week," coach Barry Odom said. With a lot on the line Odom is also looking forward to having more fan support for the Rebels for Saturday's 12 noon game at Allegiant Stadium against the Spartans. "The opportunity to play in Vegas, in Allegiant Stadium at home..I know the place will be a tremendous home field advantage. We sure look forward to that. Our kids are excited to be playing in front of our home crowd." UNLV is 5-0 this season at Allegiant Stadium.
The Rebels received votes in both major polls this week and there has been a lot of recognition for the program. Odom has been mentioned as being a candidate for National Coach of The Year honors. UNLV QB Jayden Maiava was selected as the MWC Freshman of the Week after the Air Force game, his sixth such award. Rebels LB Marsel McDuffie was the conference Defensive Player of the Week. Awards keep piling up with 11 such MWC weekly honors for UNLV. And some Rebels have been on National Watch lists this season.
UNLV's Go-Go offense has been getting a lot of attention this season, but the Rebel defense has played well when its mattered. UNLV's defense has stiffened the past two games (Wyoming, Air Force) outscoring opponents 30-0 in the second half, when games have mattered in November.
As for Saturday's game, the Rebels collide with another hot team and one that they hope to break a losing streak against. San Jose State has won five straight games this season and became bowl eligible with a win over San Diego State last week. UNLV has lost the last three games in the series against the Spartans.