The excitement is palpable as the No. 20 UNLV Rebels prepare to clash with the No. 10 Boise State Broncos in the highly anticipated Mountain West Championship game. Scheduled for an 8 PM ET kickoff at Albertsons Stadium, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Rebels, riding a wave of momentum from a four-game winning streak, are eager to avenge last year’s defeat to Boise State, who triumphed 44-20 in the previous championship.
A look at UNLV’s recent performance
The Rebels have showcased impressive form leading up to this championship bout. Their latest victory came in a decisive 38-14 win against Nevada, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the conference. With a clean bill of health and a roster brimming with talent, UNLV is poised to make a statement against the Broncos. But can they overcome the odds and secure their first Mountain West title?
UNLV projected starting lineup and depth chart
To understand how the Rebels plan to tackle this challenge, let’s delve into their projected starting lineup and depth chart.
Offensive positions
- QB: Hajj-Malik Williams (Starter)
- RB: Jai’Den Thomas (Starter)
- 2nd: Kylin James
- 3rd: Greg Burrell
- WR-X: Casey Cain (Starter)
- WR-Z: Ricky White III (Starter)
- 2nd: Corey Thompson Jr.
- 3rd: Damien McDaniel
- WR-F: Jacob De Jesus (Starter)
- TE: Kaleo Ballungay (Starter)
- LT: Jalen St. John (Starter)
- LG: Anton Ambuehl (Starter)
- C: Jack Hasz (Starter)
- 2nd: Graham Keating III
- 3rd: Mason Vicari
- RG: Mathyus Su’a (Starter)
- RT: Tiger Shanks (Starter)
This offensive lineup highlights the Rebels’ depth and versatility. With playmakers like Hajj-Malik Williams at quarterback and Jai’Den Thomas in the backfield, the Rebels will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Broncos’ defense.
Defensive positions
On the defensive side, UNLV boasts a lineup that aims to stifle Boise State’s offensive efforts:
- LDE: Jalen Dixon (Starter)
- 2nd: Keith Conley Jr.
- 3rd: Ose Egbase
- NT: Cooper Webb (Starter)
- DT: Alexander Whitmore (Starter)
- RDE: Antonio Doyle Jr. (Starter)
- WLB: Marsel McDuffie (Starter)
- MLB: Jackson Woodard (Starter)
- 2nd: Charles Correa
- 3rd: Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu
- LCB: Cameron Oliver (Starter)
- SS: Malik Chavis (Starter)
- FS: Jalen Catalon (Starter)
- 2nd: Kodi DeCambra
- 3rd: Jah’Von Grigsby
- RCB: Tony Grimes (Starter)
- NB: Johnathan Baldwin (Starter)
- 2nd: Jeremiah Vessel
- 3rd: Kela Moore
This defensive unit is designed to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the rhythm of Boise State’s offense. With players like Jalen Catalon and Jackson Woodard anchoring the secondary and linebacker corps, the Rebels will aim to create turnovers and set the tone early in the game.
Special teams
Special teams can often be the unsung heroes in close games, and UNLV has a solid unit ready to make an impact:
- PT (Punter): Marshall Nichols (Starter)
- PK (Placekicker): Caden Chittenden (Starter)
- KO (Kickoff Specialist): Andre Meono (Starter)
- LS (Long Snapper): Ben Lisk (Starter)
- H (Holder): Marshall Nichols (Starter)
- PR (Punt Returner): Jacob De Jesus (Starter)
- KR (Kick Returner): Jacob De Jesus (Starter)
With Jacob De Jesus handling both punt and kick return duties, the Rebels have the potential to flip the field position in their favor, providing their offense with advantageous starting points.
The stakes of the championship
As the Rebels prepare for this championship showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Not only are they competing for the coveted Mountain West title, but they also have a chance to assert themselves as a top contender in the national landscape. The opportunity to avenge last year’s loss adds an extra layer of motivation for the team.
Can the Rebels rise to the occasion and topple the Broncos? With their recent form and a well-rounded roster, they certainly have the tools necessary to make it happen. Fans will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what could be a historic night for UNLV football.
In the world of college football, anything can happen, and the Rebels are ready to seize their moment. Will they emerge victorious, or will Boise State continue their dominance? The answer awaits as the teams take the field for this thrilling championship clash.
