Las Vegas Review‑Journal reporters and editors weighed in on UNLV’s road matchup against Air Force on Saturday, each offering a pick for the Mountain West showdown.
Most staff members leaned toward a UNLV victory, citing the Rebels’ league‑leading defense that has allowed just 13 points to conference foes and the absence of Air Force starter quarterback Liam Szarka. The high altitude and the Falcons’ triple‑option attack add extra challenges, but UNLV’s momentum and defensive strength were seen as decisive factors. One editor warned, “The biggest thing scaring me off the pick is the terrifying unanimity of my colleagues.”
The Rebels entered the game after a 13‑7 win over North Dakota State, where they held the Bison to seven points and relied on a run‑heavy second half. Two defenders earned Mountain West Players of the Week honors for that effort. As one writer put it, “Whatever outcome I pick is usually the opposite of what happens, but for the sake of the exercise: the Rebels tame the Falcons and the thin Colorado air in the process.”
Coach Dan Mullen continues to prioritize local talent, with Andre Porter highlighted as a homegrown contributor. Meanwhile, Bishop Gorman junior Canon Mullen, the coach’s son, received a Division I offer from a rival Mountain West program.
The discussion was featured on the latest episode of Vegas Sports Sunday, where Dominic Lavoie and Heidi Fang recapped the Raiders loss and UNLV football’s upcoming challenge.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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