UNLV to Play Spoiler in MWC Championship Against Boise State

©D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

On Dec. 6, the No. 20 UNLV Rebels (10-2, 6-1 Mountain West Conference) will travel to Boise, Idaho to face off against the No. 10 Boise State Broncos (11-1, 7-0 MWC) in the MWC championship game. The Rebels' season has been a roller coaster. Despite having players transfer in the middle of the season, they made it to the league title game with a 10-2 record.

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UNLV's Season in Review

The Rebels' start to the season was unique and different from most other FBS schools. Despite going 3-0, starting quarterback Matthew Sluka and running back Michael Allen both announced their intentions to transfer from the school. The reason the players gave for doing so was unfulfilled promises relating to NIL money. At that point, UNLV had wins over Houston (Aug. 31), Utah Tech (Sept. 7) and Kansas (Sept. 13).

The abrupt departures didn't adversely affect the Rebels in the long run. They turned to Hajj-Malik Williams at quarterback, who led the team to a massive win over the Fresno State Bulldogs (6-6, 4-3) in his first game as the starter before the Rebels lost to the Syracuse Orange in overtime in Las Vegas. The Rebels didn't lose again until they faced Boise State for the first time this season. That matchup took place on Oct. 25 in Week 9.

Almost a month and a half later, the Rebels have not lost again. They wrapped up the season with four consecutive wins, including at San José State.

Williams finished the regular season with 1,735 yards, 17 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. He also had 768 yards rushing and 9 more TDs, making him one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Running back Jai'Den Thomas replaced Allen and led all UNLV rushers with 833 yards on the ground. He also had 8 total touchdowns (7 rushing and 1 receiving).

Featuring Williams and Thomas along with fellow running backs Kylin James and Greg Burrell, the Rebels rushing attack has been quite a force this season, one of the main reasons the team has been so successful.

One Versus Many

The ultimate X factor that will decide this game is how the two teams' defenses stand against the others' rushing attacks. It is no secret that Boise State has the best running back in the country, if not of all time, in Ashton Jeanty. He will most likely win many awards at the season's end and is one of the top candidates to win the Heisman Trophy alongside Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.

©D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

In their first matchup, Jeanty rushed 33 times for 128 yards and a touchdown in Sin City. Those stats are considered an off-night for Jeanty. However, this time, the game will be played in Boise, Idaho on the blue turf in Albertsons Stadium, giving the Broncos a significant home-field advantage. One edge the Rebels have is their ability to play multiple, effective, fresh RBs.

This game could easily be the best of the championship weekend, as both teams are ranked and fighting for a chance at getting into the College Football Playoff, especially if UNLV pulls off the upset. If the Rebels pull off the upset, the CFP selection committee will face some difficult decisions.