UNLV-Boise State-Preview Capsule
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}UNLV (1-6, 1-1 Mountain West) at No. 24 Boise State (5-1, 2-0), 3:30 p.m. (NBC Sports Network)
Line: Boise State by 28 points.
Series Record: Boise State leads 4-3
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WHAT'S AT STAKE
UNLV is trying to find a way to bounce back after a tough loss against Nevada and look for a positive start to the season's second half. The Rebels were leading by 17 at the half last week, but couldn't hold back Nevada and lost their third straight game. If Boise State is serious about winning the league title before splitting for the Big East, dispatching teams such as UNLV is paramount.
KEY MATCHUP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}UNLV RB Tim Cornett vs. Boise State's front seven. Cornett is the leader of a balanced attack and comes into the game averaging 106.7 yards per game, with five games of 100-plus yards. Boise State's opponents have learned it's possible to find running lanes in the defense. The Broncos are allowing more than 161 yards per contest this year, but the front seven has shown it can close holes fast inside the red zone.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UNLV: WR Marcus Sullivan is fourth in the conference in receiving yards with an average of 72 yards. The redshirt sophomore is quick and speedy and also a threat on kick returns. Sullivan has four touchdown catches this season and has become a favorite target of freshman QB Nick Sherry.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Boise State: LB J.C Percy is a tackling machine. The senior linebacker is third in the conference in tackles, grabs an average of 9.3 per game and is coming off a game-high 14 stops against Fresno State last week. If the Rebels hope to run the ball, they'll need to find a way to get blockers on Percy.
FACTS & FIGURES
Boise State has held opponents scoreless in the first half in each of the last four games, and in six games the defense has allowed 19 points total in the first two quarters. ... The Broncos have not trailed an opponent since taking a 15-9 lead over Miami (Ohio) with 1:43 to go in the second quarter, a span of more than 271 minutes. ... Black Out in Boise. The Broncos will be wearing all black uniforms for the first time Saturday. ... UNLV is 0-3 against the Broncos in games played in Boise. ... Sherry is already second in UNLV history for most TDs thrown in a season by a freshman with 11. ... Sherry is also leading a passing offense that ranks third in the Mountain West in yards, averaging 253 yards per game.