It’s a battle of Mountain West teams on the gridiron as a pair of programs take the field in Silicon Valley searching for a victory. The UNLV Rebels are on the road as they travel to face the San Jose State Spartans Friday night. UNLV comes in off a 31-20 home victory over New Mexico in their previous contest last Friday. San Jose State rolled to a 33-16 road victory over Wyoming Saturday in their most recent game. In the all-time series between the programs, the Spartans own an 18-7-1 advantage and have won the last two matchups. That includes a 27-20 road victory in the most recent matchup on October 21, 2021.
UNLV won their third straight game last week as they took down New Mexico at home last Friday and their lone loss of the season was a six-point road defeat to Cal. The Rebels enter this game 4-1 overall and stand 2-0 in the Mountain West, putting them atop the West Division of the conference standings. Against New Mexico, UNLV trailed 14-0 after one quarter and 17-0 just 91 seconds into the second quarter before rallying. The Rebels were within 17-9 at the half and stood even at 17 after three quarters before taking the lead for good on Aidan Robbins’ three-yard touchdown run in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. UNLV led the rest of the way to earn the win. The Rebels held a 356-297 edge in total offense, won the first down battle 22-18 and won the time of possession by a 30:45 to 29:15 margin. Each team turned the ball over twice in the contest.
The Rebels enter this week 54th in the nation in passing offense with 254.4 yards per game through the air and stand 58th in rushing offense by grinding out 168.6 yards per contest on the ground. UNLV is 27th in the FBS in scoring offense by averaging 37.8 points per game and 53rd in scoring defense as they allow 22.8 points a contest. Doug Brumfield has completed 105 of 149 passes for 1,223 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He is third on the team in rushing by contributing 142 yards plus five scores on the ground. Harrison Bailey (three of eight, 26 yards) and Courtney Friel (two of two, 23 yards, TD) have seen limited action on the year. Aidan Robbins leads the team on the ground with 104 carries for 506 yards plus eight scores this season. Courtney Reese (24 carries, 162 yards) is the second back in the run game for the Rebels. When UNLV goes to the air, Ricky White leads the way with 25 receptions for 360 yards and three scores this season. Kyle Williams (18 receptions, 235 yards, four TD), Jeff Weimer (16 grabs, 180 yards), Nick Williams (nine catches, 158 yards) and Senika McKie (eight receptions, 113 yards) have gone over the century mark in receiving yards this season. Daniel Gutierrez has connected on all 23 extra point attempts and six of six field goal attempts with a long of 50 this season.