Aug 303 min read

Houston Cougars Host UNLV in Exciting Week 1

The Houston Cougars gear up to take on the UNLV Rebels on Aug. 31, and fans of both sides are buzzing. This game will be the fourth time these two foes face off, with the last matchup being in 2014 when the Cougars routed the Rebels 47-14. The Cougars lead the series 3-0. Can the Rebels pull off the upset and get their first win against Houston?

What's at Stake?

This Week 1 matchup is crucial for both squads to get off on the right foot. UNLV is focused to get a win against a Power Four program. The Cougars are a 1.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, but UNLV is a very talented team that could contend in the Mountain West Conference. On the other hand, the Cougars have been picked to finish in the lower echelon of the Big 12 Conference by several national sports media outlets. Willie Fritz will look to improve this Cougars squad, which finished 4-8 in 2023, in his first year as head coach at Houston. He previously coached eight years at Tulane where the Green Wave played in five bowl games during his tenure.

Key Players: Houston Cougars

When it comes to the Cougar offense, players like quarterback Donovan Smith and wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV will be key in this game. Smith is considered a solid dual-threat and could make a case for one of the best QBs in the Big 12 next year. Last season, Smith threw for 2,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while rushing for 428 yards. Manjack IV went for 577 yards receiving and caught 6 touchdowns last season and will be a great veteran option for Smith this year.

On defense, watch out for defensive back AJ Haulcy and linebacker Jamal Morris. With a big group of transfers coming to Houston on defense, Haulcy and Morris will be the anchors. Haulcy had an impressive season last year with 72 total tackles and a forced fumble. The DB will be key in defending the UNLV passing game. Morris was also solid, with 36 total tackles, a forced fumble and 0.5 sacks. These two will have to play well against the Rebels to avoid a loss.

Key Players: UNLV Rebels

The only major key player on offense we know will see the field for sure is running back Jai’Den Thomas. Thomas rushed for 503 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. With the uncertainty at QB this game, Thomas will likely see plenty of carries. There is no clear answer when it comes to who will be playing QB in Week 1 against the Cougars.

The depth chart for Week 1 lists three quarterbacks as QB1 against Houston. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Rebels plan to play a mix of Hajj-Malik Williams, Matthew Sluka and Cameron Friel. Friel is the only QB who has previously been with the Rebels, so it wouldn't be bizarre to assume he gets the starting nod this week. Whoever starts will be a key player in not only this game but in their career if they want to win the starting job.

On defense, linebacker Jackson Woodard and defensive end Jalen Dixon will be crucial in this game. Last year, Woodard had a big outing with 55 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception. Woodard is one of the best defenders in the MWC and will likely continue to be one this year. Dixon had a great year as well in 2023, grabbing 14 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Both Woodard and Dixon will be key in putting pressure on the Houston offense.

Trends to Watch

For Houston, they need this win to start a course correction from the previous season. The Cougars are projected to be one of the bottom teams in the new-look Big 12, while the Rebels are trending in the opposite direction. Once the QB situation is figured out, UNLV could contend for a MWC title. Most sportsbooks have the Rebels holding the second-best odds to be the MWC Champions behind Boise State. The Cougars are still favored in this game and need to take care of business in Week 1. If the Rebels win, it will be a major statement for the program, stating they are ready to win the MWC this year.