Photo Credit - UNLV Athletics
Location: Canvas Stadium - Fort Collins, CO
Date: Saturday, November 8
Kickoff: 6:35 p.m. PT
TV: FS1 with Dan Hellie & Petros Papadakis
Radio: ESPN Las Vegas (1100 AM / 100.9 FM) with Matt Neverett, Caleb Herring & Steve Cofield
SiriusXM: Channel 380
Mountain West Picture
Less than a month ago, UNLV was cruising toward December with control of its own destiny. Now, the Rebels head to Fort Collins needing a bounce-back win to stay in the Mountain West title chase.
San Diego State (4-0) and Boise State (4-1) set the pace, while Fresno State, Hawai‘i, and New Mexico linger close behind at 3-2. UNLV (2-2) remains one of the league’s most complete teams overall, but the margin for error has disappeared.
UNLV Preview
Against New Mexico, the story was déjà vu: a sluggish start, a furious rally, and a missed finish. The Rebels have surrendered 12 TDs of 30+ yards in three weeks and 500+ yards in each of those games.
Still, the offense remains elite:
No. 1 in MW Scoring (36.9 PPG)
No. 3 in Total Offense (450 YPG)
Eight straight 30 + point games (a school record)
Nine road wins since 2024 (t-most in FBS)
QB Anthony Colandrea (2,451 yds, 19 TD, 69%) fought the flu and still threw for 382 yards and 3 scores vs New Mexico. RB Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas (6.8 YPC, 7 TD) hauled in a school-record 11 receptions for a running back. WRs Jaden Bradley and Daejon Reynolds stretch defenses, while TEs Var’Keyes Gumms and Nick Elksnis anchor the red zone.
“We had two chances, a stop and a drive, and didn’t finish either,” said Dan Mullen. “The margin between winning and losing is smaller than people think.”
Defensively, Paul Guenther’s unit remains opportunistic, posting a +8 turnover margin, 11 interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns. But those takeaways have masked deeper issues. The Rebels have surrendered 500-plus yards in three straight games, with missed tackles and coverage lapses leading to an alarming number of explosive plays. Heading into Fort Collins, the emphasis is on tightening communication, cleaning up pursuit angles, and rediscovering the consistency that fueled their early-season success.
Inside the Rams: What UNLV Will Face
Colorado State’s 2025 résumé reads like a roller coaster:
Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
Aug 30 | @ Washington | L 21-38 |
Sep 6 | Northern Colorado | W 21-17 |
Sep 20 | UTSA | L 16-17 |
Sep 27 | Washington State | L 3-20 |
Oct 3 | @ San Diego State | L 24-45 |
Oct 10 | Fresno State | W 49-21 |
Oct 18 | Hawai‘i | L 19-31 |
Oct 25 | @ Wyoming | L 0-28 |
The Rams are 2-6 (1-3 MW) with a pair of home wins and five losses by double digits.
Their offense averages 19.4 points per game and ranks 11th in the league (329 YPG).
Despite the record, CSU boasts individual standouts:
LB Owen Long – FBS leader in tackles (12.9 per game); AP Midseason All-America Second Team.
CB Lemondre Joe – Tied for national lead with 11 pass breakups; top cover corner in the league.
RB Jalen Dupree – 5.1 YPC, eight explosive plays (7 runs of 15 +); first career 100-yard game vs SDSU.
RB Lloyd Avant (5.6 YPC) and Justin Marshall (6.8 YPC) add depth to a steady rotation.
Efficiency is the story. CSU scores touchdowns on 75% of red-zone trips (Top 12 nationally) but has only 20 red-zone entries, ranking 130th in FBS.
Up front, the offensive line has crumbled after losing four starters from 2024’s top-five unit in sacks allowed. This season, they’ve yielded 22 sacks in eight games, ranking them in the bottom 25 nationally.
On defense, interim coach Tyson Summers leans into chaos. Colorado State blitzes more than any team in college football. The high-risk, high-reward scheme creates turnovers (12 forced fumbles) but surrenders big plays when pressure misses.
What to Watch
When UNLV Has the Ball:
Quick answers vs blitz (slants, spots, screens).
RB/TE check-release to neutralize pressure.
Ball security matters - CSU punches at the ball post-catch.
When CSU Has the Ball:
Cap vertical routes and fix communication.
Force the Rams to drive the length of the field.
Rally and tackle - live with short throws and runs.
Key Storylines
Rebound Run: UNLV is trying to avoid its first three-game skid since 2022.
Defensive Reset: Fewer takeaways, fewer explosives.
QB Contrast: Colandrea’s command vs Brousseau’s freshman arc.
Hidden Yardage: Field position and special teams could decide it.
Familiar Faces: Mullen vs Summers - Florida connections on both sidelines.
Series History
All-Time: CSU leads 17-7-1 (.700)
Current Streak: UNLV W1 (2023)
Last Meeting: 2023 – UNLV 25-23 (Las Vegas)
Last in Fort Collins: 2019 – CSU 37-17
Trend: CSU has won seven straight at home.
How They Win
UNLV: Start fast, handle pressure, and limit explosives. If Colandrea stays clean, UNLV’s skill talent can take over.
Colorado State: Blitz relentlessly, steal possessions, and shorten the game. If they can make it ugly, they’ve got a chance.
Bottom Line
UNLV boasts the Mountain West’s most explosive offense and one of its most unpredictable defenses. This visit to Fort Collins isn’t about putting up numbers; it’s about regaining control and proving the Rebels can finish.
Survive the blitz. Eliminate the big plays. Win the game.
