Boise State-UNLV: position-by-position breakdown
QUARTERBACK
Getting back Blake Decker from a dislocated shoulder is huge for UNLV, and his return should open up the offense. But Boise State freshman Brett Rypien, who averages 261.2 yards passing per game, is a star in the making.
Edge: Boise State
RUNNING BACK
Boise State’s Jeremy McNichols can beat teams rushing and receiving, and he will be a difficult matchup for the Rebels. UNLV averages 213.6 yards rushing, but the Rebels have produced just two 100-yard performances, and those occurred in the same game.
Edge: Boise State
WIDE RECEIVER
The Rebels’ Devonte Boyd and Kendal Keys are a terrific duo, but the troubles at quarterback have helped prevent them from playing up to their potential. Led by Thomas Sperbeck, the Broncos are deeper and more effective at this position.
Edge: Boise State
OFFENSIVE LINE
Both starting tackles might be out for the Broncos, who have given up 19 sacks, matching the total allowed by UNLV. The Rebels are healthier up front in what is a close call in this category.
Edge: UNLV
DEFENSIVE LINE
Kamalei Correa was an All-Mountain West performer last season, and he leads a defensive front that allows 81.4 yards rushing per game and 2.5 per carry. UNLV’s ends have the opportunity to exploit the Broncos’ health issues at offensive tackle.
Edge: Boise State
LINEBACKER
Middle linebacker Tanner Vallejo might miss the game because of injury, and that would be a big blow to the Broncos if he doesn’t play. UNLV gets a significant boost with the return of Matt Lea back from a knee injury, and Tau Lotulelei leads the Rebels with 8½ tackles for loss, with six coming in the past three games.
Edge: UNLV
SECONDARY
Both teams have done an excellent job of creating takeaways, with UNLV having intercepted 10 passes and Boise State picking off 14. Broncos safety Darian Thompson, who has four interceptions and three pass breakups, will be the best defensive player on the field.
Edge: Boise State
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Nicolai Bornand and punter Logan Yunker are having terrific seasons for UNLV, but so is kicker Tyler Rausa for the Broncos. Boise State punter Sean Wale has been solid, and the Broncos get the advantage in the return games.
Edge: UNLV
INTANGIBLES
The bye last week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rebels, who needed the break after two heartbreaking defeats. Decker particularly benefited from having the extra time to heal. UNLV also has played well as a considerable underdog, going 2-1 against the spread as an underdog of at least 20 points.
Edge: UNLV
HANDICAPPER’S TAKE
Bruce Marshall (goldsheet.com): Boise State 37, UNLV 23 — The chance to qualify for a New Year’s Six bowl last year kept Boise motivated enough to handle several hefty imposts. But with that carrot effectively removed in 2015, I’m not sure the Broncos can be trusted to handle similar big numbers, as last week’s noncover versus Wyoming indicates. Now that UNLV gunslinger Decker is back in the lineup, the Rebels have plenty of backdoor ability at this rather inflated price of 20½ points.
Check our GameDay page for all the news leading up to the UNLV-Boise State game.
