No. 10 Boise State is set to face No. 20 UNLV in one of the most anticipated Group of Five matchups in college football history. Both teams have had exceptional seasons, but this game promises to elevate one of them to new heights, with the Mountain West Championship on the line.
Boise State (11-1) has been a powerhouse this season, with the only blemish on its record coming in a heart-wrenching last-second loss to No. 1 Oregon. Despite that setback, the Broncos have been dominant, capping off their regular season with an impressive 34-18 victory over Oregon State.
UNLV (10-2) has also enjoyed a remarkable campaign, with both of its losses coming by a combined eight points to Boise State and a 9-3 Syracuse team. Since a narrow two-point victory over Hawaii, the Rebels have been on fire, racking up impressive wins over San Diego State, San Jose State, and Nevada, outscoring those teams by a combined 56 points.
The two teams first met earlier this season on October 25 at Allegiant Stadium, where Boise State emerged victorious in a thrilling contest. The Broncos’ Ashton Jeanty scored a critical fourth-quarter touchdown, leading his team to a hard-fought win. With both teams playing at such a high level, this championship rematch is expected to be just as competitive, with the winner likely earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.
How to Watch Boise State vs. UNLV Live:
- Date: Friday, Dec. 6
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Albertson’s Stadium, Boise, Idaho
- TV: Fox
- Live Stream: fubo (free trial available)
Key Storylines for Boise State vs. UNLV:
- Heisman Hopeful: Ashton Jeanty’s Final Push
Boise State’s star running back, Ashton Jeanty, has been one of the most dominant players in college football this season. After an outstanding performance in the regular season, Jeanty is looking to make a final push for the Heisman Trophy. Although UNLV limited him to just 128 yards in their earlier meeting, his performance this season has been remarkable, as he became the first running back since 2019 to eclipse 2,000 yards. With 566 more yards, he could surpass Barry Sanders’ all-time record. A big game against UNLV could catapult him back into Heisman contention, potentially challenging Colorado’s Travis Hunter for the coveted award.
- Quarterback Carousel at UNLV: Hajj-Malik Williams’ Emergence
UNLV’s offense has been on fire since the unexpected departure of starting quarterback Matthew Sluka, who opted out of the season after just three games. His exit left a void, but Hajj-Malik Williams, a transfer from Campbell, has stepped in and played brilliantly. Williams has thrown for 1,735 yards, rushed for 768 yards, and accumulated 26 total touchdowns in just nine starts. Since Williams took over, UNLV has averaged a staggering 38 points per game, making their offense one of the most dangerous in the country. The emergence of Williams has been a key factor in the Rebels’ success, and his ability to perform on the big stage will be critical in this championship game.
- College Football Playoff Implications
The stakes for both teams go far beyond the Mountain West Championship trophy. As the final College Football Playoff rankings were released, both Boise State and UNLV emerged as strong contenders for the Group of Five spot in the Playoff. If Boise State wins, it could secure a first-round bye, while UNLV would likely earn a spot in the Playoff as the No. 12 seed, barring any major upsets in the other conferences. The winner of this game will not only claim the conference crown but also see their national profile skyrocket, making this an all-important showdown for both teams.
Boise State vs. UNLV: Prediction and Picks
This game is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams having strengths that could lead them to victory. Boise State boasts a powerful offense, led by Jeanty, and a strong defense. UNLV, on the other hand, has a high-scoring offense under the guidance of Williams and offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. The Rebels proved they could slow down Jeanty in their first meeting, but Boise State has the upper hand in terms of experience and momentum.
In what is likely to be a highly competitive game, Boise State’s depth and Jeanty’s ability to make key plays when it matters most will give the Broncos the edge. Look for Jeanty to have a breakout performance in this game, helping Boise State punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff. The Broncos are favored to win by four points, and they should be able to cover that spread in a hard-fought contest.
Final Prediction: Boise State 31, UNLV 27
With Jeanty playing at an elite level and a solid all-around team, Boise State is poised to capture the Mountain West Championship and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, don’t count out UNLV, which has proven it can compete with anyone. The Rebels will put up a strong fight, but in the end, Boise State’s experience and talent should propel them to victory.
Key Players to Watch:
- Boise State: Ashton Jeanty (RB) – The Heisman contender is poised for another big game, and his performance will likely determine the outcome.
- UNLV: Hajj-Malik Williams (QB) – The dual-threat quarterback will need to continue his stellar play for the Rebels to pull off the upset.
- Boise State Defense: The Broncos’ defense will need to contain Williams and the explosive UNLV offense to keep the game in control.
- UNLV Defense: Slowing down Jeanty will be crucial for the Rebels, as his running ability has been the backbone of Boise State’s offense.
Looking Ahead:
The winner of this game will not only claim the Mountain West title but will also be thrust into the national spotlight, with a potential spot in the College Football Playoff awaiting. For Boise State, a victory would likely secure a first-round bye, while UNLV, even in a loss, would still likely see its national ranking soar. College football fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes showdown that will have lasting implications for both teams’ postseason hopes.
Conclusion:
The Mountain West Championship game between Boise State and UNLV is set to be a historic matchup, with both teams playing some of the best football in the country. With a potential College Football Playoff spot on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Boise State enters the game as the slight favorite, but UNLV has shown it can compete at the highest level. No matter the outcome, this game is sure to be a classic, with both teams battling for a chance to make history in the College Football Playoff.