UNLV at USC: What You Need To Know
Location: Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)
Date/Time: Saturday September 1stat 1:00 PM (Mountain Time)
Television: PAC-12 Network
Head-to-head: These two teams don’t match up often. UNLV is coming into this game as a 26 point underdog to USC who is rated 15th in the country.
Three things to look for:
1. Can the Rebel’s offense be effective against USC
Heading into his second season as quarterback for UNLV, Armani Rodgers will be looking to make a push towards an all Mountain West team after winning the Mountain West Freshman of the year in 2017. USC will provide a tough test for Rodgers and his offense, the Trojans are strong on the defensive side of the football, and have the size and athleticism on the line to put a lot of pressure on Rodgers throughout the day. If Rodger’s can take care of the football and UNLV is able to get a run game going they could give the Trojans a tough game.
2. Can UNLV respond to a loss
It’s no secret this game will be tough for UNLV. The Rebels are coming into the game as the clear underdog to a team that very well could see itself playing for PAC 12 and national championships in January. With that, there’s a chance that Saturday’s game could be a blowout for the Trojan’s and UNLV will return home after a massive loss. If this is the case, the Rebel’s will need to be able to shake the loss off and ready for the important games that follow.
3. UNLV Defense Pressuring USC Freshman QB
The Trojans will have freshman quarterback JT Daniels. The five star recruit will be taking his first snaps for the Trojans this season, and head coach Tony Sanchez wants to use his lack of experience to get him out of his pressure zone. This will be an important task for the defense because if he is allowed to throw comfortably from the pocket, Daniels has the ability to dismantle a defense regardless of his age.
Prediction:
It’s going to be a tough one for UNLV. They’re playing a more talented, athletic, and bigger team, but if they take care of the football and are able to make stops defensively they could be alright. USC will come into this game looking to prove a point that they belong in the nation’s elite, and could come out firing on all cylinders. If UNLV isn’t prepared for this it could be a tough game. I personally think UNLV will come ready to play and hold their own against USC through the first half. After that USC’s dominance will begin to show and they’ll pull away from the Rebels. USC wins the game 35-14.