399 IDAHO at 400 UNLV
Take: UNLV -14.5
Two programs heading in opposite directions clash at Sam Boyd Stadium on Saturday evening as UNLV plays host to Idaho.
Idaho is a program that is in decline, which actually isn’t easy for a team that has had very little success going back several seasons. But that’s the only way to describe the state of the Vandals at this point. Idaho is now in what will be its next to last season as an FBS member. They’re dropping down to the FCS in 2018, as they simply don’t have the resources to compete. It’s the first time in more than 30 years that a program will voluntarily be drop down in class.
It seems pretty clear that enthusiasm is at an all-time low for this school as far as football is concerned, and that seems to be the case on the field as well based on the early results. Idaho managed to eke out a win over Montana State to get things started. But they’ve since been annihilated by Washington State and Washington, and now the Vandals have to play a third consecutive road game against a hungry UNLV squad eager to get back in the win column after a couple of losses.
The Rebels opened with a blowout win over Jackson State and acquitted themselves well in a loss to UCLA as well as in the first half last week at Central Michigan. The second half was not good for UNLV as they appeared to wear out and the Chippewas ended up running them out.
I would expect a solid bounce back from UNLV here. Tony Sanchez is not a coach who appears averse to making statements when he has the opportunity, and he should definitely have that opportunity here. There are certainly some issues on this team that still need to be addressed, not the least of which is a little more accuracy from QB1 Johnny Stanton. Those numbers should improve here as Idaho is surrendering a completion percentage of more than 65%.
On paper, I made UNLV -16.5 here, so I’m not getting ripped off as far as the price is concerned. But I’m also bullish on the situation for the Rebels here. This is obviously a must win for the Rebs if they’re to have a chance at snaring a bowl bid this season. But it’s also a great chance to look impressive against a visitor that figures to be a little worn down after getting thumped by a pair of superior PAC-12 opponents. I also just wonder whether the interest and energy levels for Idaho will wane if they fall behind by any kind of margin. Should that happen, let’s just say I have a great deal of confidence that the Rebels will keep on scoring.
UNLV has rarely found itself in the heavy chalk role but I believe it’s more than justified here and I’ve got no problem asking them to blow away the visiting Vandals. I also believe there’s more chance this line goes up if anything from where it is now, so I’m going ahead and laying the points with UNLV right now.
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My CFB 3* Game of Week is ready for Saturday!