UNLV Football 2022: How Many Wins For The Rebels?
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Are the Rebels Ready to Take the Next Step in 2022?
As its 2022 football season begins, the schedule for UNLV offers several compelling questions. Can they win their season opener versus an FCS opponent, something they could not claim a year ago? Will the bye week in late October be a trick or treat for the Rebels, in the midst of facing the best of the Mountain West and a ranked Top 5 opponent? And what can we expect in the season finale for their rivalry with Nevada?
With those storylines and more, let’s take a look at the Rebels’ schedule:
Game 1: August 27, home vs Idaho State
The memories of their loss to an FCS team in 2021 notwithstanding, Idaho State faces a number of questions not unlike UNLV this year, including at quarterback. UNLV has every motivation to win this game, at home, and erase a tough loss from last year. UNLV 34 – Idaho State 17
Game 2: September 10, away at California
Cal will not overwhelm the Rebels by any means but should have enough talent on both sides of the ball to take advantage of a UNLV team still looking for an identity in almost every phase. Cal 34 – UNLV 17
Game 3: September 17, home vs North Texas
In a lot of ways, North Texas represents where UNLV wants to be headed: an offense with an identity, a defense that can get pressure and bowl game appearances the past two years. But the Mean Green also represents a tough matchup for the Rebels, one that, on paper, I believe is too much to overcome. North Texas 34 – UNLV 20
Game 4: September 24, away at Utah State
Mountain West Conference play begins with a trip to Utah State, and UNLV has lost the last six matchups, going back to 2012. Unless the Rebels have made big strides this early in the season, give the Aggies win number seven in a row. Utah State 31 – UNLV 17
Game 5: September 30, home vs New Mexico
The Lobos will be looking for an upset here in Las Vegas, but UNLV should be able to make enough plays to get back in the win column. UNLV 34 – New Mexico 14
Game 6: October 7, away at San Jose State
Expect a solid matchup here as the Spartans feature new additions at a number of skill positions and UNLV will look to avenge a one-score loss from last year. San Jose State 27 – UNLV 24
Game 7: October 15, home vs Air Force
At a possible 2-4 thus far in the season, the Rebels now begin a tough slate of games over the next five weeks. Scheduling the Falcons for UNLV’s Homecoming Game will not help the Rebels. Air Force 35 – UNLV 27
Game 8: October 22, away at Notre Dame
The Rebels complete their non-conference schedule in South Bend and a matchup of wildly different objectives. For UNLV, the team might be looking for measurable progress from the start of the season. The Fighting Irish will be looking for a way into the national title picture. Notre Dame 44 – UNLV 13
Game 9: November 5, away at San Diego State
Following UNLV’s bye week, expect another close game versus the Aztecs. The Rebels would love to get the win here but expect San Diego State to be up to the task with a possible shot at the conference championship game in reach. San Diego State 27 – UNLV 24
Game 10: November 11, home vs Fresno State
Following the last month, even die-hard Rebels fans will have to be asking what this UNLV squad will have left in the proverbial tank for this contest. Fresno State heads into this game looking to possibly clinch a spot in the conference championship game, and the Friday night scheduling won’t help the Rebels. Fresno State 37 – UNLV 23
Game 11: November 19, away at Hawai’i
UNLV will welcome the step down in competition after the previous few weeks and a win here would help rally the Rebels and head towards a finale at home on a positive note. UNLV 20 – Hawai’i 13
Game 12: November 26, home vs Nevada
A rivalry game since 1969, Nevada has won 13 of the last 17 matchups. However, this year Nevada will be coming into Las Vegas at the end of a long rebuilding year, and UNLV will potentially look to finish its season with back-to-back wins and an eye toward next year. UNLV 34 – Nevada 31
If UNLV could finish the season with four wins, three in conference play, there would be many positives to carry into the offseason. Anything less will lead to questions of the staff and changes may seem inevitable. Five wins – or even to be bowl eligible!? – might be the talk of the conference. Answers at quarterback, in the running game, and on defense will reveal themselves as the season progresses. Until then, the Rebels will keep us waiting until August 27.
