The UNLV Rebels football team has seemingly crashed back to Earth after an encouraging start to the season.
The Rebels opened the season with a 4-1 record including a convincing road win at Utah State and a come from behind win at home against New Mexico. At 4-1, UNLV only needed to secure two more wins to become bowl eligible. The New Mexico win has since been the last game that the Rebels have tasted victory as they are on a three game slide, losing to San Jose State, Air Force, and last week to Notre Dame. The Rebels gave up 40 points or more in each of those losses.
UNLV suffered mightily when starting quarterback Doug Brumfield was injured early in the San Jose State game with a concussion and the team hasn’t been the same. Backup quarterbacks Cameron Friel and Harrison Bailey have been unable to power the team’s offense like Brumfield did before he got hurt. The Rebels also have to deal with injuries to running back Aidan Robbins and defensive lineman Adam Plant Jr.
With their record now evened at 4-4 and 2-2 in the Mountain West’s Western Division, UNLV needs Brumfield back before the next game on Nov. 5 at San Diego State. In their quest for two more wins and a possible bowl berth none of the remaining games on the Rebel’s schedule will be a “gimme.”
After traveling to San Diego State, UNLV returns home on Nov. 11 vs. Fresno State, travels to Hawaii on Nov. 19, and closes the regular season at home on Nov. 26 in a battle for the Fremont Cannon against in state rival UNR.
Let’s hope the Rebels can pull it back together and turn their season around, get back on the winning track, and get those two wins they need to become bowl eligible.
Let’s go Rebels!!
