UNLV Rebels running back Aidan Robbins (9) finds a hole in the New Mexico Lobos defense during the second half of an NCAA football game at Allegiant Stadium Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022 | 2 a.m.
Well, this is it. After a season of unprecedented highs and all-too-familiar lows, UNLV football will conclude the 2022 campaign when they host UNR on Saturday.
But is it really the end?
Maybe not. Through a quirk in the bowl eligibility rules, there’s a chance UNLV could still qualify for a postseason berth if they beat UNR and finish with a 5-7 record. That would mean the Scarlet and Gray will have to snap their current six-game losing streak.
Can they do it, and claim the Fremont Cannon in the process? Three keys to watch:
Secondary concerns
UNLV has struggled all season when it comes to defending the pass, and the problems get exponentially worse the deeper downfield the action moved. The Scarlet and Gray are allowing 7.8 yards per pass attempt, which ranks No. 103 in the nation.
That weakness was openly exploited by Hawaii, as UNLV allowed multiple long gains, including a back-breaking 55-yard touchdown pass that gave Hawaii the lead late in the third quarter. And it could have been worse; there were several instances of Hawaii receivers running free behind UNLV defensive backs, only for the pass to be off-target.
In short, UNLV was fortunate to not get burned more often than they did last week. UNR doesn’t feature an explosive passing attack, but if they watched the UNLV-Hawaii film, they’re going to test the secondary with a few long bombs of their own.
Bowl hopes still flickering
If UNLV needs any added motivation — beyond winning the Fremont Cannon for the first time in Marcus Arroyo’s tenure — there’s still a chance the team could qualify for a bowl game.
A lot of things would have to go right, and a lot of 5-win teams would have to lose this weekend, but if the out-of-town scoreboard shakes out and UNLV takes care of business against the worst team in the Mountain West (UNR is 2-9 overall and 0-7 in conference), it could happen.
How will the players handle the suddenly high stakes, just six days after an emotional loss that they thought eliminated them? Leadership will be paramount; Arroyo and the team’s key players will have to keep everyone’s eyes on the prize.
Strong finish
Regardless of the bowl situation, there are several players who could use a strong finish to 2022, starting with the quarterback.
Sophomore Doug Brumfield was a star over the season’s first five weeks, but he hasn’t looked the same since coming back from the concussion that kept him off the field for most of October. In three games since coming back, he has completed 59.8% of his passes for 667 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions, and UNLV has lost all three contests.
Nevada doesn’t have a horrible pass defense. The Wolf Pack rank 43rd in opposing passer rating and 59th in yards allowed per attempt, so it’s not going to be a total gimme for Brumfield. But if he can look more like the early-season Doug Brumfield on Saturday, that should give him (and the team) some much-needed momentum heading into the offseason.
Who: UNLV (4-7, 2-5 MWC) vs. UNR (2-9, 0-7 MWC)
When: Saturday, 3 p.m. at Allegiant Stadium
TV: Cox channel 125, TV channel 5.2
Line: UNLV -12.5
UNLV leaders
Passing: Doug Brumfield — 65.1%, 1,898 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: Aidan Robbins — 922 yards, 4.9 per carry, 9 TDs
Receiving: Ricky White — 50 receptions, 623 yards, 4 TDs
Defense: Austin Ajiake — 120 tackles, 11.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 2 INTs
UNR leaders
Passing: Nate Cox — 51.2%, 1,188 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs
Rushing: Toa Taua — 767 yards, 4.1 per carry, 10 TDs
Receiving: Brian Casteel — 43 receptions, 491 yards, 3 TDs
Defense: Bentlee Sanders — 75 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 5 INTs
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.