BYU Cougars vs. UNLV Rebels: Complete Game Preview
After a two-game road swing, BYU is back at home this weekend to host UNLV. The Cougars beat the Rebels in 2010, 55-7, which was the last meeting between the two teams.
BYU had a bye week after its win over Middle Tennessee, its first victory since September 20th. UNLV comes into this Saturday's game on a three-game losing skid and boasts a 2-8 record on the season.
The Cougars will be bowl eligible if they win this weekend, but what will it take to beat their former Mountain West partner? Read on to find out.
Date: Saturday, November 15
Time: 5 p.m. MDT
Place: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
TV: ESPNU
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)
Spread: BYU, -23.5 (via OddsShark.com)
BYU's Keys to Victory
Get Off to a Fast Start
BYU is coming off a bye week, so preparation should not be an issue. The best thing the Cougs can do for themselves is build early-game momentum and get a quick lead.
The Cougars have won only one game this season (Virginia) in which their opponent scored first. With more crucial injuries affecting the team, putting up points quickly and getting the backups in the game would be huge.
Don't Rely on the Passing Game
With starting running back Jamaal Williams' season-ending injury, UNLV will prepare for a lot more passing from BYU. But the Cougars have reliable backups—Adam Hine, Paul Lasike and even Nate Carter, to name a few—and can run the ball successfully against UNLV.
The Rebels rank 123 out of 125 FBS teams in rushing defense and have given up 280 yards per game. BYU should not rely on Christian Stewart excessively but let the running backs carry a decent load.
Cougars Players to Watch
Paul Lasike (RB)
As aforementioned, Lasike will get a larger role in BYU's offense with the absence of Williams. Whether or not he can perform as hoped is another question.
Lasike has proved to be a solid backup—he has 389 all-purpose yards on the season—but he will need to step up for the Cougars. A big game from him will be huge for BYU and could be the difference between a huge win or a disappointment.
Scott Arellano (P)
Not often do you see a punter on a "Players to Watch" list, but Arellano deserves it. Hopefully BYU won't need him too much this weekend, but if it does, he will surely step up.
He shattered a BYU record against Middle Tennessee with an 81-yard punt and is averaging nearly 45 yards per kick on the season. It will definitely be worth watching Arellano against UNLV.
Rebels Players to Watch
Blake Decker (QB)
UNLV quarterback Decker is questionable for this week's game, but should he play, he could pose problems for BYU. The Cougars have struggled containing dual-threat QBs this season and have a tough task this Saturday.
Decker has thrown for 2,438 yards this season and has rushed for four touchdowns. BYU's defense seems to be improving, but Decker is the type of quarterback that could tear apart the Cougs.
Devonte Boyd (WR)
Decker's favorite target, Devonte Boyd, has twice as many receptions this season as any other Rebels receiver. As a true freshman and local Las Vegas recruit, Boyd has found a home at UNLV.
But despite being young, he has elite speed and will pose problems for BYU's cornerbacks. If the Cougs can contain Boyd, they will have a much easier game on Saturday.
Prediction
UNLV has struggled lately, and with an extra week to prepare, BYU should come out strong. A big game from the Cougars defense will help seal the Cougars' trip to the Miami Beach Bowl.
Prediction: BYU wins, 38-10