Tonight’s matchup at Allegiant Stadium carries added intrigue in Las Vegas and in the sportsbooks. Kickoff is set for 5:02 p.m. PT with UCLA coming in as a slim 2.5-point favorite over UNLV, while the over/under is posted at 54.5 points. On the moneyline, the Bruins are priced at -135, while the Rebels return +114 as a home underdog via DraftKings sportsbook. Fans can watch on the CBS Sports Network or tune in on ESPN 1100 AM/100.9 FM; tickets are still available through UNLVTickets.com. The game is part of UNLV’s Hispanic Heritage Night celebration, adding to the energy inside Allegiant.
The scene
Two programs meet at different cruising altitudes. UNLV (2–0) returns home after a composed 38–21 win at Sam Houston, carrying momentum, turnovers, and a hardening edge under first-year head coach Dan Mullen. UCLA (0–1) arrives from a 43–10 setback to Utah in its Big Ten opener, searching for rhythm and answers in Week 2.
It’s just the third-ever meeting. The Bruins won both (2015, 2016), and this is their first visit to Vegas in a decade. For UNLV, it’s a made-for-Allegiant showcase: prime window, a Power Four helmet, and a chance to stamp September with intent.
Why this matters (now)
Program trajectory: UNLV is the first FBS team since 1978 to improve its win total four straight seasons by multiple games (0→2→5→9→11) and rides a 22–8 run since 2023. A win pushes this era’s ceiling higher, fast.
Statement game: Rebels are 9–2 against non-conference opponents since 2023 and 11–3 in true road games, but doing it against UCLA, in the building where UNLV has won 11 of its last 15, feels different.
Turnover tide: Five interceptions in two games (and 54 since 2022, most in FBS) vs. a Bruins offense that coughed up 1 turnover and struggled to sustain.
UNLV, to this point
Scoreboard consistency: 38 points in both wins. 20+ in 24 straight regular-season games (2nd-longest active; Memphis 38).
Ball security: 1 turnover or less in 16 straight (MW record).
Red zone & points off TOs: 8-for-11 (73%) with 6 TD, and 17 points off 4 takeaways already.
Balance: 532 total yards vs Idaho State (300 rush) and 404 at Sam Houston (249 pass).
The QB room, active edition
Dan Mullen has leaned into optionality.
Anthony Colandrea (Virginia transfer, 19 career starts): 15/21, 195 yds + 93 rush vs ISU; then 19/23, 249 yds, 2 TD at SHSU, plus a 13-yd keeper to seal it. MW Offensive Player of the Week (9/1).
Alex Orji (Michigan): Package snaps, 3/3 passing vs ISU, and the go-ahead TD run late.
The headliners
Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas (Walter Camp, Maxwell, Doak Walker lists): 4 TD through two weeks (3 vs ISU), now 23 career rush TDs (7th all-time at UNLV; next up: tie for 6th at 24).
Jaden Bradley: Back-to-back 100-yard games (131 vs ISU; 125 & TD at SHSU).
Aamaris Brown: Defensive spark at SHSU; 52-yd pick-six, 2.0 sacks, 3.0 TFL; MW Defensive Player of the Week (9/1).
About UCLA
Utah 43, UCLA 10 (Aug. 30): The Bruins managed 210 total yards (84 rush).
QB Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee transfer): 11/22, 136 yds, TD, INT, plus 47 rush yds in his Bruin debut.
Defensive bright spot: Isaiah Chisom stacked 17 tackles (FBS leader entering Week 2).
Special teams: Junior K Mateen Bhaghani drilled a 46-yarder; 20/24 FGs last year.
Matchup keys
When UNLV has the ball
Early rhythm, layered tempo. Colandrea’s decisiveness (38/44 across two weeks) has kept the offense on schedule. Stress UCLA’s new-look secondary with formation variety and quick game; take the shot when leverage declares.
Tackle count tax. Jet Thomas + the RB room into a Bruins front that allowed 286 rush yds last week, stick with the run math on 2nd/medium.
Ball security = win equity. This team is built on clean possessions. Don’t give UCLA free possessions when your defense is winning the sudden-change battles.
When UCLA has the ball
Edges, edges, edges. Keep Iamaleava in the well. The Rebels’ pressure plan worked at SHSU (4 sacks, 1–12 opponent on 3rd down). Similar discipline vs a more athletic QB is paramount.
Tackle after contact. Anthony Woods can make 4 into 14; the first defender must stick, the second must finish.
Eyes up on RPO/shot plays. UCLA will script a few “get-right” explosives. Communication on the back end (Brown, Welch, Harris) is as important as the rush.
Situational leans
3rd down: UNLV defense is allowing 24%; UCLA defense allowed 82.4% last week.
Turnover margin: Rebels trending + early; Bruins neutral/-.
Red zone: UNLV 73% scoring; opponent 57%.
Explosives: Bradley/Earle have popped chunk plays each week; the Bruins are hunting a spark.
History & notes
Series: UCLA leads 2–0; return game Sept. 6, 2031 at the Rose Bowl.
UNLV vs Big Ten all-time: 2–16; last Big Ten in Vegas: Minnesota (2012).
Personnel crossover: UNLV starting RG Alani Makihele spent 2024 at UCLA (12 g/2 starts).
What it looks like if…
UNLV wins: The Rebels dictate terms with 6–8-play, 60–75-yard drives, win explosives 4–2, finish at 30+ points for the third straight week, and the secondary grabs at least one. Allegiant turns celebratory; September momentum compounds.
UCLA wins: The Bruins hit two explosives off play-action, steal a possession on special teams, and Iamaleava’s legs extend 3–4 third downs to keep UNLV off-schedule.
Three keys for each side
UNLV
Protect the ball (again): 1 turnover or less keeps the script in your hands.
Win early downs with the run + RPO to set 3rd-and-manageable.
Compress UCLA’s pocket edges; spy judiciously on Iamaleava in high-leverage downs.
UCLA
Start hot: first two drives must produce points to steady a young roster.
Feed Woods and the quick game to protect the OL.
Force UNLV behind the chains, negative plays on 1st down are your lifeline.
Prediction
UNLV’s identity is efficient QB play, turnover creation, and clean possessions that travel and scale. UCLA has blue-chip variance, but until the Bruins prove they can control the line of scrimmage, the cleaner team deserves the lean.
UNLV 27, UCLA 24.