The MWC released the 2019 schedules today. We really need to start 2-0. A lot of tough games before things get a little easier in November.
UNLV 2019 Schedule
- Thread starter RebNReno
- Start date
The MWC released the 2019 schedules today. We really need to start 2-0. A lot of tough games before things get a little easier in November.
Same as last year, the first four games will be critical, notably the Arkansas State game and to a lesser degree the Wyoming game.
Ark State loses quite a bit, namely a four year starter at QB. Still they've been a pretty consistent program last few years and it should be a tough game.
Playing in Wyoming is tough especially with that altitude. But Wyoming loses a bit on defense and is a team UNLV should beat if strides have actually been made.
I think best case they go 3-1. (Obviously 4-0 would be better but Northwestern at home will be tough).
3-1 gives the team momentum and confidence heading into a big matchup with Boise State. Even better Rebs get this game at home and it should draw a pretty decent crowd.
3-1 they only need to get 3 in their last 8 to be bowl eligible. They'll have 4 home games to get those three.
A 2-2 start the schedules gets problematic.
That Boise, Fresno, SDSU and Vandy four game stretch is brutal. Can anybody see a scenario where they go better than 2-2 here?
Now you sit 4-4..
You get away to CSU and away to Reno.
Home to Hawaii and home to San Jose State.
Hawaii and SJSU should be wins.
CSU will be tough to beat at home. Reno won't be easy either in their place.
2-2 start. Bowl eligibility still possible. But it will be tough.
If the Rebels start 1-3. Any thoughts of a bowl go out the window. In fact a 1-3 start would probably get the rough drafts started on Coach Sanchez pink slip.
Ark State loses quite a bit, namely a four year starter at QB. Still they've been a pretty consistent program last few years and it should be a tough game.
Playing in Wyoming is tough especially with that altitude. But Wyoming loses a bit on defense and is a team UNLV should beat if strides have actually been made.
I think best case they go 3-1. (Obviously 4-0 would be better but Northwestern at home will be tough).
3-1 gives the team momentum and confidence heading into a big matchup with Boise State. Even better Rebs get this game at home and it should draw a pretty decent crowd.
3-1 they only need to get 3 in their last 8 to be bowl eligible. They'll have 4 home games to get those three.
A 2-2 start the schedules gets problematic.
That Boise, Fresno, SDSU and Vandy four game stretch is brutal. Can anybody see a scenario where they go better than 2-2 here?
Now you sit 4-4..
You get away to CSU and away to Reno.
Home to Hawaii and home to San Jose State.
Hawaii and SJSU should be wins.
CSU will be tough to beat at home. Reno won't be easy either in their place.
2-2 start. Bowl eligibility still possible. But it will be tough.
If the Rebels start 1-3. Any thoughts of a bowl go out the window. In fact a 1-3 start would probably get the rough drafts started on Coach Sanchez pink slip.
I think after the first two games we'll likely be an underdog the next 7 weeks. I mean 5 of the next 7 are on the road and the only home games are Boise St and SDSU.
I do like that we have a shot to finish the season with 3 straight straight wins. BYE week, vs. Hawaii, vs. sjsu, and @ unr.
Would be really nice to see this team exceed expectations. Here is my optimistic prediction:
S. Utah - W
Ark St. - W
NW - L
Wyo - W
Boise - L
Vandy - W
Fresno St - L
SDSU - W
CSU - L
Hawaii - W
SJSU - W
UNR - W
8-4 overall
I think the key to the season will be if they can take care of Ark St at home and split the four road games between NW, Wyo, Vandy, and CSU. Do that, and I think the rest of the schedule takes care of itself.
S. Utah - W
Ark St. - W
NW - L
Wyo - W
Boise - L
Vandy - W
Fresno St - L
SDSU - W
CSU - L
Hawaii - W
SJSU - W
UNR - W
8-4 overall
I think the key to the season will be if they can take care of Ark St at home and split the four road games between NW, Wyo, Vandy, and CSU. Do that, and I think the rest of the schedule takes care of itself.
Early Prediction.
This could change after watching Spring camp.
SSU - W (Big score like 56-17)
Ark State - W (Ark State lose a lot of dudes. Game at home will be close flip last years score)
@Northwestern - L (Rebs play tough, Northwestern Defense to much. Rebs lose close game)
@Wyoming - L (In typical Sanchez fashion coming off promising showing, and a bye week Rebs lay an absolute egg in Wyoming).
Boise State - L (Broncos graduate a ton. Rebels bounce back a bit. Play Broncos tough. Come up just short).
@Vandy -L (Will look similar to Rebs game vs Michigan a few years back. Hang around keep it respectable but never really threaten)
@Fresno - L (Rebs play Fresno close through 1st half. Lose by double digits)
San Diego State -L (I know we got them on the road this year. I think this wasn't one of Rocky's better teams. I think Aztecs bounce back this year. )
@CSU W (Been a tough place for Rebs in past. Some rumblings about Bobo in Ft. Collins. Just when you think season is over Rebs win big road game keep bowl Hope's alive.)
Hawaii W (Hawaii games always close. Rebels keep bowl hope alive.)
SJSU W (Rebs take care of business.)
@Reno L (Never want to go into rivalry game giving opponent any added incentive. Reno returns favor)
Finish 5-7.
Vandy went 6-6 and lost a bowl game. That will be a tough game.
I agree a lot rides on Ark State game. I think Wyoming game is just as important. Wyoming defense was pretty good last year. It's the type of game that Rebels should win if there truly has been progress under Sanchez..
I want them to win at Vandy since I'll most likely be there in person. They would be one of those opponents that are no doubt tough, but beatable. Unfortunately, it would be one of the bigger wins of Sanchez's time here.
I think the odds of beating both CSU and Wyoming on the road in the same year SHOULD be decent. Have a hard time seeing it though.
That's the crux of it when it comes to predicting results under Sanchez.
He's done nothing to instill any confidence in his coaching ability on Saturday.
For every solid win there are two bad losses. Every time there has been a game that could keep bowl hope alive they lay an egg.
Wyoming and Ark State game determine the season. Win both, I think they go bowling. Lose one, it gets pretty dicey.
Lose both....Start compiling names for a coaching search.
Nope- I think getting 1 win there will be tough. I see 0-4 as a more likely scenario than even 2-2 in that stretch. Besides Northwestern those might be the best 4 teams we play all season.
SUU - W (easy)
Ark State - W (revenge)
@Northwestern - W (annual CTS surprise road win)
@Wyoming - W (we’re rolling)
Boise State - L (can’t get over the hump)
@Vandy - L (overconfident Rebs miss opportunity)
@Fresno - L (just too strong)
San Diego State - L (4-4; season in doubt)
@CSU - W (back on track)
Hawaii - W (revenge #2)
SJSU - W (revenge #3; blowout)
@Reno - W (I can’t predict a loss to Reno)
8-4 (5-3 MW)
Ark State - W (revenge)
@Northwestern - W (annual CTS surprise road win)
@Wyoming - W (we’re rolling)
Boise State - L (can’t get over the hump)
@Vandy - L (overconfident Rebs miss opportunity)
@Fresno - L (just too strong)
San Diego State - L (4-4; season in doubt)
@CSU - W (back on track)
Hawaii - W (revenge #2)
SJSU - W (revenge #3; blowout)
@Reno - W (I can’t predict a loss to Reno)
8-4 (5-3 MW)
I could see it play out like this in a best case secenario.
I would flip SDSU and Northwestern though.
I just don't see it as much as I would like it.
It’s certainly an optimistic prognosis.
I had to give us a surprise road win. CTS has had one every year. Reno, Hawaii, Fresno, and SDSU. I figured let’s go big and make it against Northwestern. Haha
I do think starting with a 4 game winning streak and then losing 4 straight would be an interesting start to say the least.
The entire season rests on two games.
Ark State and Wyoming.
He wins those and starts the season 3-1 that is a lot of momentum heading into that Boise game.
Those next 4 games are as tough a stretch as I remember UNLV having in some time. 3 of the top 4 teams in the MWC plus a trip to SEC Vandy.
Getting bowl eligible would mean huge improvements over last year. This schedule is significantly more difficult, at least we won't have to play USU .
This revamped defense needs to be a force. Not just below average. They need to be good. That's asking a lot.
I like Armani, more than most, but until he can prove to go through a couple of reads and make more plays with his arm this offense will continue to be one dimensional and predictable. And it's hard to predict the run game being as good with Lex, X, and Owens (our top 3 backs) all leaving. We have some really good receiving threats, but need to be able to use them. I really think the short passing game needs to be utilized to balance the offense.
Interesting to see. I really like CTS and want him to succeed. But I'm with Bull. I like everything about him except what happens on Saturdays. We rarely seem to out prepare the opponent. Whether it's with initial gameplans or adjustments. We get figured out where we can't adjust on both sides of the ball. That could be due to limitations of our players, or just because we can't do it.
This revamped defense needs to be a force. Not just below average. They need to be good. That's asking a lot.
I like Armani, more than most, but until he can prove to go through a couple of reads and make more plays with his arm this offense will continue to be one dimensional and predictable. And it's hard to predict the run game being as good with Lex, X, and Owens (our top 3 backs) all leaving. We have some really good receiving threats, but need to be able to use them. I really think the short passing game needs to be utilized to balance the offense.
Interesting to see. I really like CTS and want him to succeed. But I'm with Bull. I like everything about him except what happens on Saturdays. We rarely seem to out prepare the opponent. Whether it's with initial gameplans or adjustments. We get figured out where we can't adjust on both sides of the ball. That could be due to limitations of our players, or just because we can't do it.
My analysis of UNLV Football, and projected wins for 2019 starts with a quick review of the 2018 season.
Focusing primarily on the defensive side of the ball, UNLV's defense gave up 39.1 points per game in 2018 which put them in the top 122 teams in all of D-1. In 2017 they only gave up 30.7 points per game, which was 85th ranked. Another D stat was they gave up 6.47 yards per play and 454.2 yards per game, which put them at #115 in the nation. The last stat on Defense I will mention is their last 3 games they gave up 29.3 points per game, which would have rated them #76 in the nation for the entire year.
One trivial pursuit question about UNLV 2018 Football: New Mexico and San Jose State each had only one win in conference play in 2018; who did they beat?
Gone from last year's team due to graduation are: Outsey, Mann, and All Wily on the D-Line; Laolagi at LB (my favorite); and Baker, the leading tackler, and Kalili in the secondary.
In order for the win total to go up the defense has to get better. So will UNLV get a better defense with the returners plus the additions of: Tuitasi, Fahina(which Rivals list as a verbal commit), Ehimare, & McGregor on the D-line; Viramontes, Robinson, Beaudry, & Windmon at LB; and Howard, Houston, Lewis, & Fiaseu in the secondary? Yes are defense will be much better in 2019. We should also see 2018 recruits who didn't play, but should in 2019.
One last point we might get Grad transfers to help on both sides of the ball that we haven't heard about yet.
So if Rogers plays well, big unknown, with the new D look we should be bowl eligible.
Focusing primarily on the defensive side of the ball, UNLV's defense gave up 39.1 points per game in 2018 which put them in the top 122 teams in all of D-1. In 2017 they only gave up 30.7 points per game, which was 85th ranked. Another D stat was they gave up 6.47 yards per play and 454.2 yards per game, which put them at #115 in the nation. The last stat on Defense I will mention is their last 3 games they gave up 29.3 points per game, which would have rated them #76 in the nation for the entire year.
One trivial pursuit question about UNLV 2018 Football: New Mexico and San Jose State each had only one win in conference play in 2018; who did they beat?
Gone from last year's team due to graduation are: Outsey, Mann, and All Wily on the D-Line; Laolagi at LB (my favorite); and Baker, the leading tackler, and Kalili in the secondary.
In order for the win total to go up the defense has to get better. So will UNLV get a better defense with the returners plus the additions of: Tuitasi, Fahina(which Rivals list as a verbal commit), Ehimare, & McGregor on the D-line; Viramontes, Robinson, Beaudry, & Windmon at LB; and Howard, Houston, Lewis, & Fiaseu in the secondary? Yes are defense will be much better in 2019. We should also see 2018 recruits who didn't play, but should in 2019.
One last point we might get Grad transfers to help on both sides of the ball that we haven't heard about yet.
So if Rogers plays well, big unknown, with the new D look we should be bowl eligible.
Ark State and Wyoming games are key to the season.
Win both. They probably go bowling. Lose either one it gets really dicey.
That four game stretch against Fresno/Vandy/SDSU/Boise is brutal.
Broken down by 4 game groups. They have to go...
3-1
1-3
2-2.
I've got a wait and see attitude about the defense. A lot of pieces to replace. A lot of new bodies coming in. Will take time to gel..Basically until they do something, they've done nothing. I have a hard time relying or having high expectation on an unknown.
Ark St and Wyoming are definitely the two key games of the year. At least they go to Wyoming early in the year. I remember the last time we went up there. It was 6 degrees when we got off the plane. It’s hard playing up at that altitude though.
My take on each game
Southern Utah - must win and should win easy. Anything less than that is a bad sign. (W)
Arkansas State - They are a mid level lower tier program that UNLV played them even last year at their stadium. UNLV should be able to win this game comfortably. (W)
Northwestern - They were up and down last year playing down to lower level team and playing up to the better teams. This is one game I could see as a possible upset, but for now I would favor Northwestern (L)
Wyoming - Another team that played up and down. I think this is one game I see UNLV pulling off as a win but could go either way (W)
Boise State - Las time UNLV played them at home they stayed close until late in the game and then got beat up due to depth. I see UNLV playing a closer game, but don't think they are ready yet to beat them. (L)
Vanderbilt - They may have finished last season with a losing record, but when they played unr, they showed that they are an SEC team by blowing them out (L)
Fresno State - We are playing at Fresno, and I don't see UNLV winning this game (L)
SDSU - should be one of the easier games to win. They have dropped off as a program, and they play at UNLV. (W)
CSU - was a dumpster fire last year, if UNLV shows up ready to play this is a very winnable game. (W)
Hawaii - UNLV has won most of the games lately, and has not lost at home in some time to Hawaii (W)
SJSU - UNLV should have never lost to this team last year, and I see this as a blowout win (W)
unr - 50/50 on this game. I think UNLV will be the better team, but playing at unr could give them the edge.
Based on the above I would put UNLV at 8-4, but expect UNLV to have at least one or two loses they should win, and hope for a win they shouldn't win.
Best guess is 7-5
Southern Utah - must win and should win easy. Anything less than that is a bad sign. (W)
Arkansas State - They are a mid level lower tier program that UNLV played them even last year at their stadium. UNLV should be able to win this game comfortably. (W)
Northwestern - They were up and down last year playing down to lower level team and playing up to the better teams. This is one game I could see as a possible upset, but for now I would favor Northwestern (L)
Wyoming - Another team that played up and down. I think this is one game I see UNLV pulling off as a win but could go either way (W)
Boise State - Las time UNLV played them at home they stayed close until late in the game and then got beat up due to depth. I see UNLV playing a closer game, but don't think they are ready yet to beat them. (L)
Vanderbilt - They may have finished last season with a losing record, but when they played unr, they showed that they are an SEC team by blowing them out (L)
Fresno State - We are playing at Fresno, and I don't see UNLV winning this game (L)
SDSU - should be one of the easier games to win. They have dropped off as a program, and they play at UNLV. (W)
CSU - was a dumpster fire last year, if UNLV shows up ready to play this is a very winnable game. (W)
Hawaii - UNLV has won most of the games lately, and has not lost at home in some time to Hawaii (W)
SJSU - UNLV should have never lost to this team last year, and I see this as a blowout win (W)
unr - 50/50 on this game. I think UNLV will be the better team, but playing at unr could give them the edge.
Based on the above I would put UNLV at 8-4, but expect UNLV to have at least one or two loses they should win, and hope for a win they shouldn't win.
Best guess is 7-5
Disagree on SDSU.
They are always going to be a difficult game as long as Rocky is there. They currently have the number four class in the conference. Not sure how they are a program in decline. They are 11-3 11-3 10-3 7-6 their last four seasons. That looks more like a bump in the road than a program in decline. Rebs can win that game but it's essentially a toss up.
Maybe I'm jaded after last years debacle, but until UNLV goes .500 or above, I'm pretty reluctant to chalk up to many games in the win column.
I think they could get to 7-5, but would need a couple bounces.
I could also see 5-7...
If they come out of the 1st four games 3-1, that would be a lot of momentum heading into the Boise game. Win that, and it could be a special season.
Remember, Ark State has bowled 8 years in a row. They might have only won three of them, but there were good enough to get there. I wouldn't necessarily call that an easy win. We should win vs Ark State. If reno can beat them, in theory UNLV can.
Exactly. I don't care if they played in the John Deere Weed Whacker Bowl or the Waffle House Smothered Covered and Chunked Bowl. That is a very solid run.
Arkansas State isn't a team UNLV 'should beat', Arkansas State is the type of team UNLV and to a lesser degree Sanchez needs to beat to prove there is progress.
Reno beat them but it was a really odd game. Ark State marched up and down the field. Had three turnovers in the red zone. 483 to 265 in total yards.
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It is done.
I have renewed season tix for football.
I have renewed season tix for football.
I don't understand the "besides Northwestern" comment. They are likely the most difficult win to get this season. We play them @ NW after NW has a bye week to prepare for us. Despite losing their QB, they have 2 very good ones to take his place. They have a solid group of OLs & skill players to go with the new QB. Worst of all is that their defense and special teams are loaded.
Maybe it wasn't clear but by "besides Northwestern" I meant NW was clearly one of the toughest opponents we play. However, even if NW is #1 that stretch might contain numbers 2 through 5.
I was predicting a few wins at the beginning, a rough stretch in the middle, and then a real good shot for a solid finish in the last 4 games if the team stays together.
