2015
UNLV
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
UNLV fell apart last season and finished with only two wins. As a result, they went out on got a new coach, one that doesn’t have prior college experience. Tony Sanchez made a name for himself at a local high school and hopes to revive the Rebels. They are still expected to be toward the bottom of the Conference again with an over/under of 2.5 wins (at 5Dimes).
The team will aim to build itself around quarterback Blake Decker, who is locked in as the starter despite a rough 2014 (15 TDs, 18 INTs). After a much-improved spring, Decker and the offense are expected to improve from last year’s 21.9 points per Game. He’s joined by a couple stud wide outs in Devonte Boyd (980 yards, 4 TDs) and Kendal Keys. If Decker is as improved as the coaches say, this could be a solid offense.
The problem is that the running Game doesn’t have many options and the offensive line will be a problem again. Keith Whitely (4.3 ypc) is the listed starter at running back for now, but there are a couple freshmen on his tail. The offensive line was a weak point last year and they only return two starters from that group. That’s a main reason Decker has been working on getting the ball out earlier, so he isn’t forced to scramble on almost every snap.
UNLV’s defense hasn’t been good in a while, so it’s hard to see them improving mightily in Sanchez’s first season as head coach. They return just five starters, with the main issue again being along the line where they allowed close to 300 rushing yards per Game last season. Only Sonny Sanitoa returns from that group, but at least the linebackers are filled with experience including tackle leader Tau Lotulelei. secondary may also be an issue with safety Peni Vea the only returning starter.
The Rebels don’t have the easiest non-Conference Schedule either, which makes getting past two wins that much harder. In addition, they have to play Boise State and Colorado State out of the Mountain division. Their best chances for Conference wins will come at home against San Jose State and Hawaii.
The Schedule is tough and new head coach Tony Sanchez has a lot to learn. The Rebels have some pieces to work with at QB and WR, but will need more help from the defensive and offensive lines to get a couple more wins.
2015 UNLV Football Schedule
Sept. 5 at Northern Illinois
Sept. 12 vs. UCLA
Sept. 19 at Michigan
Sept. 26 vs. Idaho State
Oct. 3 at Nevada
Oct. 10 vs. San Jose State
Oct. 16 at Fresno State
Oct. 31 vs. Boise State
Nov. 7 vs. Hawaii
Nov. 14 at Colorado State
Nov. 21 vs. San Diego State
Nov. 28 at Wyoming