Las Vegas is preparing for the start of college football as the UNLV Rebels, led by new head coach Dan Mullen, open their season in a Week 0 game against the Idaho State Bengals at Allegiant Stadium. The season opener coincides with a major boxing event, reflecting the busy entertainment schedule in the city.
Dan Mullen, who boasts a career record of 103-61 and is well-regarded for his dynamic spread offense, took some time away from coaching to work at ESPN, but he's now back and "fired up" for game day. The run-up to the season has been anything but predictable, with Sports Illustrated reporting that Mullen and his squad had to adjust quickly to the rescheduling, as their Week 3 game was catapulted into an earlier slot due to the Alvarez vs. Crawford Super Fight. Despite the logistical issue, Mullen said, "We’re gonna have some fun."
On the field, UNLV faces nerves, high expectations, and the challenge of integrating transfers, with limited returning starters but key players like running back Jai'Den "Jet" Thomas and linebacker Marsel McDuffie. Competition is particularly intense at quarterback, with Michigan transfer Alex Orji and former Virginia signal-caller Anthony Colandrea vying for the starting role. Coach Mullen remains confident, stating, “When you have a lot of depth, hopefully the competition creates that depth,” as the team prepares to face the Big Sky Conference's Idaho State Bengals, who emphasize the run and feature Fresno State transfer Joshua Wood and defensive standouts Zack Crotzer and Isaiah King, as per News 3LV. Despite the challenge, the Rebels are optimistic, with Mullen declaring, "We’re ready. Game week. Let’s go," as mentioned by Sports Illustrated.
