As the 2024 college football season heads into its heart, one of the most intriguing matchups in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) will be the clash between the UNLV Rebels and the Utah State Aggies on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET. Both teams are vying for conference supremacy and a chance to secure a bowl game, making this game critical for their postseason aspirations.
UNLV, under the leadership of head coach Barry Odom, has seen a resurgence in recent seasons. The Rebels are building a solid program and look to establish themselves as one of the top teams in the Mountain West. Meanwhile, Utah State, led by head coach Blake Anderson, is a seasoned program with a tradition of success in the conference. The Aggies will look to use their home-field advantage and experienced roster to take down a hungry UNLV squad.
With both teams fielding dynamic offenses and competitive defenses, this game promises to be a high-scoring affair filled with explosive plays, making it a must-watch for college football fans.
How to Watch UNLV vs. Utah State: TV & Streaming Information
TV Broadcast
The game will be available on the following television networks, allowing fans to catch all the action live:
- CBS Sports Network: The primary broadcast for the UNLV vs. Utah State game will be on CBS Sports Network, one of the leading providers of college football games. If you have access to CBS Sports Network via cable or satellite TV, you can tune in for the live game coverage.
Streaming Options
For viewers who prefer to stream the game live, there are several reliable options to choose from:
- FuboTV: FuboTV is one of the best streaming platforms for live sports, offering access to CBS Sports Network along with many other sports channels. FuboTV is known for its extensive sports coverage, and the service also offers a free trial, making it a great option for first-time users.
- Hulu + Live TV: With Hulu + Live TV, you can stream the game live on CBS Sports Network. Hulu’s live TV option includes a vast array of sports channels, making it an excellent all-in-one service for sports fans who also want access to on-demand content.
- Sling TV: Sling TV offers CBS Sports Network in some of its packages, making it another solid choice for streaming the game. Sling TV is also known for its affordable pricing options.
Mobile Streaming Options
If you’re on the go, several mobile apps will allow you to stream the game on your device:
- CBS Sports App: The CBS Sports App offers live streaming of the game for subscribers, making it a convenient option to catch the action from anywhere. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
- FuboTV App: The FuboTV App allows you to stream the game live on your phone or tablet, provided you have a FuboTV subscription.
- Yahoo Sports App: The Yahoo Sports App also offers live college football streaming, including select Mountain West games. This is another great mobile option for keeping up with the action.
UNLV Team Preview
Overview
The UNLV Rebels have undergone a dramatic transformation in recent seasons. Under head coach Barry Odom, the Rebels have shifted from being a program that struggled for consistency to a team that competes week in and week out in the Mountain West. Known for their aggressive defense and an offense that thrives on explosive plays, UNLV has positioned itself as a legitimate contender in the conference.
Heading into the matchup against Utah State, UNLV will look to continue their upward trajectory by relying on a potent offense and a defense that is built to create turnovers.
Offense
The key to UNLV’s offensive success lies in the play of quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava has emerged as a dual-threat quarterback who can beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. His ability to extend plays, scramble for crucial yards, and make accurate throws downfield makes him a critical part of UNLV’s game plan.
In the backfield, the Rebels have a dynamic running back in Courtney Reese, who has the ability to break big runs and keep the chains moving. Reese has been a reliable workhorse for the Rebels, and his ability to make plays both between the tackles and in space makes him a versatile weapon.
The receiving corps is headlined by Ricky White, one of the most explosive wide receivers in the Mountain West. White is a big-play receiver who can stretch the field with his speed and athleticism. He will be a focal point of the Rebels’ passing attack against Utah State. Alongside White, Kyle Williams is another talented receiver who excels in intermediate routes and is a reliable target on third downs.
The offensive line, anchored by Tiger Shanks and Leif Fautanu, has done a commendable job of protecting Maiava and opening up running lanes for Reese. Their performance against Utah State’s aggressive front seven will be key to UNLV’s success.
Defense
UNLV’s defense is known for its aggressive style of play. The Rebels lead the Mountain West in forced turnovers, and their ability to create havoc on defense has been a game-changer in several key matchups this season.
The heart of the defense is linebacker Austin Ajiake, who is one of the top tacklers in the conference. Ajiake’s ability to diagnose plays and make stops at the line of scrimmage has been crucial for UNLV’s defense. He will play a vital role in slowing down Utah State’s rushing attack.
In the secondary, cornerback Cameron Oliver is a standout player who excels in coverage and has the ability to take away the opposing team’s top receiver. Oliver’s ball-hawking skills have led to several interceptions this season, and his presence will be key against Utah State’s passing game.
The defensive line, led by Adam Plant Jr., is capable of generating pressure on the quarterback and disrupting the opposing offense. Plant is one of the top pass-rushers in the Mountain West, and his ability to collapse the pocket could be a difference-maker in this game.
Key Players to Watch for UNLV
- Jayden Maiava (QB): Maiava’s dual-threat ability will be critical to UNLV’s offensive success. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a player to watch.
- Courtney Reese (RB): Reese’s explosive running style will be key in keeping UNLV’s offense balanced and wearing down Utah State’s defense.
- Ricky White (WR): White’s speed and big-play ability make him one of the top receiving threats in the Mountain West. He will be a focal point of UNLV’s passing attack.
- Austin Ajiake (LB): Ajiake’s tackling and play recognition make him a leader on UNLV’s defense. His performance will be crucial in stopping Utah State’s run game.
- Cameron Oliver (CB): Oliver’s ability to lock down receivers and create turnovers makes him a key player for UNLV’s defense.
Utah State Team Preview
Overview
The Utah State Aggies have long been a consistent force in the Mountain West Conference, with a history of competing for conference titles and bowl game appearances. Head coach Blake Anderson has continued that tradition of success, and the Aggies enter this game with the aim of defending their home turf against a surging UNLV team.
Utah State is known for its balanced offense, which features a potent passing game and a reliable rushing attack. The Aggies’ defense, while not as dominant as in past years, still has the ability to make key stops and create turnovers when necessary.
Offense
Utah State’s offense is led by quarterback Cooper Legas, who has been a steady presence under center. Legas has a strong arm and can make all the throws required to stretch the field, but he also has the ability to extend plays with his legs. His ability to make quick decisions and spread the ball around has made Utah State’s offense difficult to defend.
In the backfield, running back Robert Briggs is the Aggies’ primary ball carrier. Briggs is a tough, physical runner who excels at gaining yards after contact. His ability to wear down defenses with his hard-nosed running style will be crucial in keeping Utah State’s offense on the field and controlling the tempo of the game.
The receiving corps features Terrell Vaughn, one of the top wide receivers in the Mountain West. Vaughn is a precise route runner with excellent hands, making him a reliable target for Legas in critical situations. Micah Davis is another key weapon in the passing game, capable of making big plays downfield and stretching the defense.
Utah State’s offensive line, anchored by Wade Meacham, has been solid in pass protection and run blocking, but they will face a tough challenge against UNLV’s aggressive defensive front.
Defense
Utah State’s defense, while not as dominant as some past Aggie units, still has playmakers at all levels. The Aggies’ defense is led by linebacker AJ Vongphachanh, who is one of the top tacklers in the Mountain West. Vongphachanh’s ability to read plays and make stops at the line of scrimmage will be crucial in slowing down UNLV’s offense.
The Aggies’ defensive line, featuring Patrick Joyner Jr. and Hale Motu’apuaka, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled at times to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback. If Utah State’s front four can disrupt UNLV’s passing game and contain quarterback Jayden Maiava, it will go a long way toward securing a victory.
In the secondary, cornerback Jaiden Francois is a key player who will be tasked with defending UNLV’s top receivers. Francois has good instincts and ball skills, making him a threat to intercept passes and shut down opposing wideouts.
Key Players to Watch for Utah State
- Cooper Legas (QB): Legas’ ability to manage the game and make plays with his arm and legs will be crucial for Utah State’s offense.
- Robert Briggs (RB): Briggs’ physical running style will be key in keeping Utah State’s offense on the field and wearing down UNLV’s defense.
- Terrell Vaughn (WR): Vaughn’s precise route running and reliable hands make him a go-to target for Legas, especially in third-down situations.
- AJ Vongphachanh (LB): Vongphachanh’s tackling ability and leadership on defense make him a key player in Utah State’s efforts to slow down UNLV’s offense.
- Jaiden Francois (CB): Francois’ coverage skills and playmaking ability will be crucial in containing UNLV’s wide receivers.
Odds and Predictions
As of now, UNLV enters the game as the slight favorite, largely due to their recent success and balanced team. Oddsmakers have set the line at:
- Spread: UNLV -3.5
- Over/Under: 52.5 points
Prediction
This game is expected to be a closely contested battle between two evenly matched teams. Both offenses have the ability to put up points, but the key to the game will likely be turnovers and the ability to control the clock.
UNLV’s aggressive defense and explosive offense give them a slight edge, but Utah State’s home-field advantage and balanced attack should keep the game close. Ultimately, UNLV’s ability to generate turnovers and make big plays on offense could be the difference in this matchup.
Final Score Prediction: UNLV 31, Utah State 27
The matchup between UNLV and Utah State is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games in the Mountain West Conference this season. With both teams fighting for positioning in the conference standings and a potential bowl game, this Friday night showdown is must-watch football.
Whether you’re tuning in on CBS Sports Network, streaming the game on FuboTV, or catching it on Hulu + Live TV, this game will feature high-stakes action, explosive plays, and competitive football from start to finish. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch two of the Mountain West’s most exciting teams go head-to-head in a critical midseason matchup.
