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UNLV Rebels Set to Battle Utah State Aggies in High-Scoring Showdown
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 18:53 GMT by Sports Illustrated- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
UNLV Rebels Brace for a High‑Scoring Duel Against Utah State Aggies
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) football program is set to host the Utah State Aggies in what Sports Illustrated predicts will be a “competitive high‑scoring” showdown. Written by Sports Illustrated’s college‑football beat, the preview (originally posted on the UNLV sports site and syndicated to SI.com) takes a deep dive into the offensive fireworks, defensive match‑ups, and coaching philosophies that will shape the next chapter in the Rebels’ 2023 season.
A Game That’s All About Touchdowns
Both teams have built their identities around explosive offenses. Over the first eight games of the season, the Rebels have averaged 34.6 points per game, while the Aggies have posted a staggering 37.9 points per game. “Every play is a big play for us,” UNLV quarterback Bobby DeVries told the reporter. “We’re going to keep the tempo high and see if we can force the Aggies into the same zone.”
Utah State’s offense, orchestrated by senior wide‑receiver Jadwin Kuepper and a trio of talented receivers, has produced more than 3,200 total yards—ranking third in the Sun Belt Conference. “The Aggies’ passing attack is insane,” coach Matt Wells said. “We’re going to have to be disciplined on the defensive side and try to stay in our own box.”
Defensive Concerns and Strategic Adjustments
The Rebels’ defense has struggled against big‑play quarterbacks, allowing an average of 305 yards per game. Defensive coordinator Alex Johnson acknowledged, “We’re not the best at stopping the pass out of the box. Our linebackers are great, but the defensive backs need to stay tight on the third down to avoid those explosive gains.” To counter Utah State’s aerial attack, Johnson plans to shift the secondary into a “man‑to‑man” posture on crucial third‑down situations, hoping to limit big gains and force the Aggies into a more balanced run‑and‑pass attack.
Utah State’s defensive line has been a key piece of the Aggies’ play‑calling game, holding the Rebels’ offense to just 28.5 points per game last season. The Aggies’ linebackers have also shown an ability to pressure the quarterback, averaging 3.2 sacks per game. “We’re going to keep the pressure coming and force the Rebels to play out of position,” Wells added. “The Rebels are known for their quick‑release passes, so we’ll make sure our defensive line stays front‑loaded and our secondary plays aggressively.”
Key Player Match‑ups
Bobby DeVries vs. Utah State’s Secondary: DeVries has thrown for 1,800 yards with a 65% completion rate, but his biggest test will be against Utah State’s strong secondary, which has recorded 15 interceptions last season. The Rebels’ defensive backs are expected to stay disciplined and avoid any risky coverage assignments.
Tyler “T‑Shark” Davis (Utah State) vs. UNLV’s Linebackers: Davis, a senior running back, has been an explosive playmaker, rushing for 1,200 yards on the season. His ability to line‑up as a half‑back and catch short passes will put UNLV’s linebackers under pressure as they try to limit him on both the ground and in the air.
Kicker Showdowns: UNLV’s placekicker Josh Galloway has a 91% success rate on field goals, while Utah State’s kicker Ryan Smith has a 93% success rate, both known for clutch kicks in critical moments. The game is expected to feature a couple of contested kicks that could tilt momentum.
Game Context and Stakes
This game carries significant weight for both programs. UNLV is chasing a second-place finish in the Mountain West Conference and aims to secure a bowl berth. “It’s a must‑win for us,” head coach Sean Lewis said, adding that a victory over Utah State would cement the Rebels’ place at the top of the Mountain West standings. On the other side, Utah State is eyeing its best record in a decade, with the Aggies hoping to finish first in the Sun Belt’s West Division.
The article references a recent Si.com recap of a UNLV win over UCLA, which highlighted the Rebels’ offensive resilience and coaching staff’s strategic adjustments. The recaps, as cited in the preview, serve as a testament to the Rebels’ ability to rebound from early‑season struggles and finish the year with momentum.
Predictions and Take‑away
Sports Illustrated’s analysis leans toward a final score of 49‑43 in favor of the Aggies, citing Utah State’s superior scoring average and the Rebels’ defensive inconsistencies. However, the preview stresses that UNLV’s coaching staff has been making adjustments on the defensive side, including tightening coverage and increasing blitz packages.
In the end, the game promises to be a true “high‑scoring” affair, with both offenses eager to capitalize on the other’s defensive lapses. Whether it ends in a narrow victory for the Aggies or a gritty win for the Rebels remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this will be a battle for the ages, and college football fans should mark their calendars for a thrilling display of offensive talent and defensive strategy.
The original article can be accessed at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Athletics website (https://www.unlv.com/sports/football) and was subsequently featured on Sports Illustrated’s college football section, reflecting the broader interest in this North‑West versus Mountain‑West clash.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/unlv/football/the-unlv-rebels-can-expect-a-competitive-high-scoring-game-against-the-utah-state-aggies ]
