Boise State Broncos @ UNLV Rebels Football Preview

Week after week, an unbeaten team in another region of the country is losing. Week after week, the speculation surrounding the Boise State Broncos’ place in the national college football landscape gains a little more buzz and intensity. Week after week, this team in a small stadium with blue turf becomes more visible and more of a lightning rod. The attention paid to this football program is nothing but a tribute to what head coach Chris Petersen has been able to establish over the past several years. The Broncos need to realize that for all of the hatred and invective that’s thrown their way, they just need to take care of business in the next game on the slate.

That’s exactly what they’ll try to do on what is a business trip – and not a pleasure cruise – to Sin City on the first weekend of November.

After its first-ever conference matchup against Air Force, fifth-ranked Boise State enjoyed a needed bye last week to heal up before traveling to Las Vegas to play UNLV this Saturday night. Life as the Boise State Broncos can be stressful, wondering which computers and voters will discredit you this week. All Boise State can do is keep winning, and UNLV is the next name on the list.

It’s been a battle for the Rebels, who have struggled on defense and labored even worse to pass the ball. UNLV has rotated between Caleb Herring and Sean Reilly at quarterback throughout the season, but as of now it appears Herring is at the helm after last week. Reilly was removed in the first quarter after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown, and Herring led the Rebels to a 38-35 win over Colorado State. At 2-5, UNLV is hoping to reverse its bad fortunes of this season and move the Bobby Hauck era to the next level—but such hopes will be put on hold for this week.

Boise State is a meat grinder, a fact for which they get little credit. Far from the cute team running trick plays in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, a picture that can’t seem to be removed from fans and media nationally, the Broncos are tough and efficient. Boise’s defense allows just 16 points per game and ranks 16th in yards allowed. Meanwhile, the offense takes on the personality of senior quarterback Kellen Moore. Tough, smart, and efficient, the Broncos rack up 488 yards and 43 points per game and make very few mistakes, leading them to rank sixth in the nation in turnover margin. It will be everything UNLV can do to come out intact… and not make a collective pilgrimage to the nearest local hospital.

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By: Matt Zemek
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer