Oct 33 min read

Syracuse, No. 25 UNLV Face Off for the First Time

Kyle McCord and Syracuse travel to Las Vegas to play No. 25 UNLV Rebels — © Rich Barnes Imagn Images

The Syracuse Orange (3-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) will travel to Las Vegas to play the No. 25 UNLV Rebels (4-0, 1-0 Mountain West Conference) at 9 p.m. EST on Oct. 4. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Both teams are hot off of big wins and better than expected starts to the season. Syracuse is looking to take down its second Associated Press Poll Top 25 opponent. Meanwhile, the Rebels are determined to show they belong in the College Football Playoff chatter.

Syracuse’s Early Success

One of the reasons behind Syracuse’s hot start to the season is the leadership and winning attributes that Fran Brown has instilled since his arrival. The other reason is transfer quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord has been the lightning rod for Syracuse’s electric offense. He’s thrown for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, which places him second in the ACC. Syracuse has benefited from McCord’s outstanding play and leadership, both have them as a competitor in a tough ACC.

Coach Fran Brown and Syracuse have been one of college football's early surprises. They play the No. 25 Rebels October 4. — © Rich Barnes Imagn Images

Syracuse already has a Top 25 victory this season. In Week 2 they beat Georgia Tech (3-2, 1-2), then ranked No. 23, in their ACC opener 31-28. They would love to add another. This game starts a three-game stretch away from home for Syracuse. This game is critical in setting the momentum for Syracuse and silencing any doubts of big-game jitters.

Syracuse’s Key Players

QB Kyle McCord: McCord has had a great season and must limit his mistakes against a stingy Rebel secondary.

DE Fadil Diggs: Diggs and the defensive line must create pressure upfront to create timing issues on passing downs. Syracuse is the best DL the Rebels have faced so far this season and they must create havoc early to keep a fiery offense at bay.

The Rebels Are Ranked

The No. 25 Rebels is ranked for the first time in program history. Add that historic first with the first game ever against Syracuse and put it all under the lights of Las Vegas. That is what Rebels players and fans have on the line Friday night in Allegiant Stadium. Despite recent controversy after losing QB Matt Sluka, the Rebels did not miss a beat under senior QB Hajj-Malik Wiliams. In William’s first career start as a Rebel, he was 13-of-16 for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns against Fresno State, a game the Rebels controlled from the opening kick.

Williams and the Rebels are strong contenders in the MWC and match up well against. Syracuse. The Rebel offense is replacing its leading passer and rusher since Sluka left the program and establishing the running game will be essential as the Rebels move forward this season. Syracuse has an experienced secondary and if the Rebels want to have an effective passing game they will need running backs Kylin James and Greg Burrell to have their best outings of the season.

UNLV Rebels Key Players

QB Hajj-Malik Williams: Williams enters the game for his second start as a Rebel and Syracuse will be the toughest defense Williams has faced to date. His composure will be essential to the Rebels’ success in this game.

Defense: The Rebel defense is ranked among the top programs in the country for takeaways and points allowed per game. To beat Syracuse the defense must keep up its domination.

Defense vs. Defense

Syracuse has depended on a dynamic offense this season, but this game will lean heavily on the defense. Syracuse’s defense might not have the name recognition of its offensive counterparts but the unit has played well enough to keep Syracuse close in every game this season. The defensive unit, led by two seniors, defensive back Justin Barron and Diggs, has held opponents to 22 points per game. If Syracuse can keep the Rebels’ offense to 22 points they will add another win to the victory column.

The Rebels see what the Syracuse defense has done this year and raise the stakes. The Rebels have been full throttle on defense this year and are tied for second in the NCAA for interceptions with 9. The Rebels are also holding their opponents to 13 points a game this season and will have their hands full with Syracuse, who score 33 points per game. The Rebels must contain one of the ACC’s top QBs to keep their undefeated record and move up in the college football rankings.

Expect an exciting game with Syracuse being victorious.

Prediction: Syracuse Orange 36, UNLV Rebels 31.