The Utah State University Aggies (1-2, 1-1 Home) play host to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels (2-1, 0-1 Away) at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium on Saturday for a Mountain West Conference opener that pits the MWC’s toughest rush defense against one of its top ground offenses. The Rebels are 2.5-point favorites, and the total is 63.5. UNLV is coming off a one-sided 58-27 win over North Texas at Allegiant Stadium last Saturday. Doug Brumfield threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns. Aidan Robbins ran 29 times for 227 yards and three touchdowns. Ricky White caught seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Utah State lost 35-7 to Weber State at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium on September 10. Logan Bonner was 12 of 31 for 157 yards and three interceptions. Calvin Tyler Jr. carried 18 times for 64 yards. Justin McGriff caught three receptions for 42 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Aggies won the only meeting between the teams last season, a 28-24 victory in October, their third straight win against UNLV. Bonner threw two touchdowns for Utah State, as Deven Thompkins scored twice. Charles Williams had three touchdowns for UNLV.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Rebels are averaging 41.3 points per game so far this season, 25th in FBS, and they are facing an Aggies defense that has surrendered 36.7 PPG (116th). Meanwhile, Utah State has scored 12.7 points a game this season, 126th in the nation, and UNLV is allowing 22.7 PPG (58th).The Rebels rank 37th in the nation in passing yards per game (274.0) and 36th in rushing (205.7). The best opportunities may come on the ground, as the Aggies are 128th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (240.7). Against the pass, Utah State is 52nd (200.7).Utah State has been one of the nation’s least productive passing teams, averaging 165.0 passing yards per game (113th), while ranking 80th in rushing yards (155.3). The Rebels are allowing 258.0 passing yards (96th) and 103.7 rushing yards per game (41st).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through three games, Brumfield has thrown for seven touchdowns (1 INT) and 257.7 yards per game to lead UNLV in passing. In one previous away game this season, he had one TD (1 INT) and 206 yards passing. Robbins leads the team in rushing with an average of 115.3 yards a game over three games. He has six touchdowns on the ground. White is the Rebels’ leading receiver with 105.7 yards a game and three TDs. Bonner has three passing touchdowns (3 INT) with 146.7 yards per game through three games to lead Utah State. In two home games this season, he has thrown for three TDs (3 INT) and an average of 200.5 yards. Tyler Jr. has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 79.3 yards a game through three games. Brian Cobbs has been the primary target in the Aggies’ aerial attack. He has one touchdown and a 42.7 yard per game average through three appearances.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
UNLV (-150)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
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