UNLV
7th Mountain West2-11
West Virginia
2nd Big East9-3
UNLV @ West Virginia preview
Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium
Having dropped out of the Top 25, West Virginia hosts a 1-4 UNLV team making a cross-country trip, Saturday in Morgantown, W.V.
It’s the teams’ first meeting.
West Virginia (3-1) mustered only 177 yards in its loss to LSU two weeks ago. It was only the fifth time since 2001 that the Mountaineers failed to reach 200 yards of total offense. They should fare better against the Rebels, who are coming off a 44-26 loss to Nevada. UNLV gives up 390 yards per game.
UNLV surrendered 374 rushing yards in the loss to its in-state rival, so West Virginia tailback Noel Devine could be in for a big game. He had rushed for 100 yards or more in the first three games before being held to 37 yards by LSU. Devine suffered a bruised toe in the loss but is expected to play Saturday.
The Mountaineers’ offensive line also could receive a boost from the return of left guard Josh Jenkins, who is expected back from a knee injury. UNLV, meanwhile, could be without junior running back C. J. Cox, who is questionable with an arm injury.
West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart wants sophomore quarterback Geno Smith to regain confidence after he threw for 119 yards in the loss to LSU. Smith will need to keep in his sights Rebels cornerback Will Chandler, who has four interceptions this season.
West Virginia’s defense has played well, but the Mountaineers’ secondary will be tested by UNLV senior quarterback Omar Clayton, who ranks third in Rebels history with 5,490 career passing yards. Clayton’s favorite target, wide receiver Phillip Payne, burned Nevada for a career-high 170 yards on eight catches.
UNLV’s defense forced three turnovers against Nevada, and the Rebels are now plus-4 in that category. The Rebels also can do damage on special teams, as evidenced by their two long kickoff returns against Nevada. They likely will need some big plays from defense or special teams because they’re facing a team that gives up just 84.5 rushing yards per game.
It’s the teams’ first meeting.
West Virginia (3-1) mustered only 177 yards in its loss to LSU two weeks ago. It was only the fifth time since 2001 that the Mountaineers failed to reach 200 yards of total offense. They should fare better against the Rebels, who are coming off a 44-26 loss to Nevada. UNLV gives up 390 yards per game.
UNLV surrendered 374 rushing yards in the loss to its in-state rival, so West Virginia tailback Noel Devine could be in for a big game. He had rushed for 100 yards or more in the first three games before being held to 37 yards by LSU. Devine suffered a bruised toe in the loss but is expected to play Saturday.
The Mountaineers’ offensive line also could receive a boost from the return of left guard Josh Jenkins, who is expected back from a knee injury. UNLV, meanwhile, could be without junior running back C. J. Cox, who is questionable with an arm injury.
West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart wants sophomore quarterback Geno Smith to regain confidence after he threw for 119 yards in the loss to LSU. Smith will need to keep in his sights Rebels cornerback Will Chandler, who has four interceptions this season.
West Virginia’s defense has played well, but the Mountaineers’ secondary will be tested by UNLV senior quarterback Omar Clayton, who ranks third in Rebels history with 5,490 career passing yards. Clayton’s favorite target, wide receiver Phillip Payne, burned Nevada for a career-high 170 yards on eight catches.
UNLV’s defense forced three turnovers against Nevada, and the Rebels are now plus-4 in that category. The Rebels also can do damage on special teams, as evidenced by their two long kickoff returns against Nevada. They likely will need some big plays from defense or special teams because they’re facing a team that gives up just 84.5 rushing yards per game.