Line: UNLV -5.5 | O/U: 62.5
Series: UNLV leads 15-12 (Winners of three straight)

Matchup: New Mexico (5-3, 2-2 MW) at UNLV (6-1, 2-1 MW)
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Kickoff: 12:02 p.m. PT (1:02 p.m. MT)
Location: Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas, NV
TV: Mountain West Network / SSSEN
Radio: ESPN 1100 AM | 100.9 FM (Tim Neverett & Steve Cofield)

Two programs on the rise meet in Las Vegas this afternoon, each carrying momentum and motivation.

For UNLV, it’s a chance to rebound from its first loss of the season and stay within striking distance of the conference leaders. For New Mexico, it’s another step in a remarkable first year under head coach Jason Eck, who has the Lobos one win away from bowl eligibility.

Both teams bring top-tier offenses and quarterbacks playing with confidence, Anthony Colandrea for UNLV and Jack Layne for New Mexico, setting up what should be an entertaining, high-tempo game under the dome at Allegiant.

If you’re a Lobo fan, you might be frustrated. The way this team has played, with discipline, physicality, and confidence, it feels like they’ve earned more attention than a regional stream. This matchup deserves more eyes.

New Mexico sits at 5-3 overall, 2-2 in the Mountain West, just one win away from bowl eligibility. That’s a significant turnaround under first-year head coach Jason Eck, who’s reshaped the Lobos in only a few months. They’re coming off their best game of the year, a wire-to-wire win over Utah State, where they dominated the trenches and looked like a program that finally knows who it is.

UNLV, meanwhile, comes in 6-1, 2-1 in league play, still right in the thick of the Mountain West title race. The Rebels suffered their first loss at Boise State, and although the final score appeared rough, the offense still moved the ball, the team continued to compete, and they never looked overwhelmed. Boise’s had UNLV’s number for years, but this group still controls its own path to December.

Vegas has UNLV favored by 5.5 points, with a total of 62.5 points. Fitting for two of the league’s most productive offenses.

This matchup is a study in contrast.

New Mexico isn’t loaded with stars or splashy transfers. Their roster is built on FCS talent, development, and buy-in. What they lack in headlines, they make up for in toughness.

UNLV is built differently. Dan Mullen has leaned into the portal, bringing proven players from Power Five programs to fit his system. Its balance and tempo are explosive enough to win shootouts, yet composed enough to grind out wins late.

At quarterback, the contrast is clear.

Jack Layne, New Mexico’s sophomore starter, has matured quickly, with a 67 percent completion rate, 1,598 yards, and nine touchdowns. His tight end Dorian Thomas has emerged as one of the most consistent weapons in the Mountain West, while Damon Bankston leads a three-back rotation that runs with power and patience.

On the other sideline, Anthony Colandrea continues to define UNLV’s offensive identity: 1,618 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, four picks, plus 410 on the ground. His ability to extend plays and improvise has elevated the entire unit.

Behind him, Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas has been nearly unstoppable, with 615 yards, seven touchdowns, and he’s been tackled for loss only once all season. That level of efficiency is elite.

Together, they’ve made UNLV one of the league’s most efficient teams, averaging 37.1 points per game and nearly seven yards per play.

UNLV’s defense gives up yards but thrives on disruption. Paul Guenther’s unit ranks top ten nationally in turnover margin at +10 and sits ninth in third-down defense. Safety Aamaris Brown leads the Mountain West with four interceptions, and the group’s aggression defines the team’s personality.

Mullen’s not hiding from the Boise result.

For New Mexico, the defense has become an identity builder. They’re still -11 in turnover margin, but they’ve compensated with effort and improvement up front. Keyshawn James-Newby (4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles) and Jaxton Eck (82 tackles) are the tone-setters, while Tavian Combs anchors the secondary.

Special teams could swing it. UNLV has multiple punt blocks for touchdowns, while New Mexico’s Daniel Hughes was just added to the Ray Guy Award watch list after pinning two punts inside the five last week.

New Mexico
• Run efficiently. Shorten the game and keep Colandrea off the field.
• Protect the ball. UNLV turns mistakes into points.
• Stay ahead of schedule. You can’t live in third-and-long against Guenther’s pressure looks.

UNLV
• Start fast. Boise jumped them early; they can’t repeat that.
• Let Jet Thomas dictate rhythm. Play-action opens once he establishes tempo.
• Use Colandrea’s mobility strategically, don’t overexpose him.

This feels like a battle of resilience versus explosiveness.

New Mexico has the physicality to hang around and the motivation of bowl eligibility within reach. They’re improving every week and playing with confidence.

But UNLV, at home, coming off a loss, with a championship berth still in reach, that’s a dangerous combination. Mullen’s team has been through its growing pains, and every sign points to a group ready to respond.

Expect a tight, physical game, a few turnovers either way, and a handful of explosive plays to decide it.

Prediction: UNLV 28, New Mexico 24. UNLV steadies the ship, stays in the title chase, and keeps Allegiant rocking into November.