New FSM Game Preview: UNLV vs San Diego State - Week 12

New FSM Preview: UNLV vs San Diego State – Week 12

Franchise Sports Media

UNLV Rebels (2-8)  |  #23 San Diego State Aztecs (9-1)

 

The UNLV Rebels will host the No. 23 ranked San Diego State Aztecs at Allegiant Stadium this Friday night in the final home game of the regular season for the Rebels.

 

When we last saw the Rebels, the team turned an ugly start into a big victory against the Hawaii Warriors by a score of 27-13. Now, UNLV rides back-to-back wins into a game against an Aztecs team ranked 23rd in the nation with a 9-1 record. The odds show San Diego State at -10.5, with the over/under at 41 points.

The Rebels have come a long way after going on a two-year winless streak in the regular season. However, after losing some close games this season, it seems the tide has finally turned for this developing team. If the Rebels want to continue building their current win streak, they will need to keep the Aztecs at bay and stop them from improving in many of their stat lines.

The Rebels defense has allowed 362.6 yards of total offense per game, ranked around mid-pack at 58th in the nation. In turn, San Diego State’s offense ranks 107th in football with 332.6 yards of total offense per game. The Rebels will have an opportunity to break even with the Aztecs on offense, but the defense will need to step up their game to contain the San Diego State offense. The Rebels are giving up 235.3 passing yards per game, ranked 79th in football, which opens the door for an opportunity to eliminate a passing game in which the Aztecs are averaging just 140.8 passing yards per game.

 

UNLV will need to get creative and have backup strategies set for the running game this week.

 

The Aztec defense ranks third in football in rushing defense, giving up just 82.8 yards per game. UNLV running back Charles Williams had another monster game against Hawaii with 266 yards of offense. However, this week, Williams will be tested with a top 5 defense in the nation, which could pose problems for him and the rest of the rushing offense.

The UNLV offense as a whole will need to figure out a way to gain some significant yardage throughout the game. The Aztecs have the 14th best overall defense in total yards against, giving up 306.6 yards per game this season. The 234 yards per game that UNLV is averaging will not be enough to get around San Diego State and their defense in the long haul in this game. Quarterback Cam Friel will need to be quick with his plays and resort to rushing the ball a handful of times in an attempt to throw the Aztecs defense off.

The significant key factor for the Rebels in this game is to take advantage of scoring opportunities. It will likely prove more difficult picking apart a defense like San Diego State than in recent weeks. The Aztecs are in the top 10 in opponents’ points per game, ranking ninth in football at just 17.1 opponent points per game. The Rebels are near that stat, scoring 21.5 points per game this season, ranking 114th in football. 

So even if it’s just three points at the end of a drive, UNLV must utilize their opportunities in the red zone to their best possible abilities to keep the Aztecs honest when they get the ball back.

 

The Rebels will take on the Aztecs this Friday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. This Mountain West Conference matchup will begin at 8:30 and can be seen live on CBS Sports Network.

UNLV vs San Diego State                   UNLV vs Hawaii                UNLV vs Hawaii                UNLV vs Hawaii              UNLV vs Hawaii                               UNLV vs Hawaii                                                               

 

– Matt Dobbs – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Matt on Twitter @RecordBowlerFSM

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