UNLV Rebels 2021 College Football Preview
Created July 18, 2021
2020 Recap
Record – 0-6
ATS – 1-5
We’re not sure what a BLOODBATH looks like but the 2020 scamdemic season was not kind to the Rebels. They didn’t win a game all year whilst being outscored to the tune of 228-104. We knew it would be a rebuilding “year” but it’s still hard to take many positives from last season’s DEBACLE. Let’s see what HC Marcus Arroyo can do in his first full season in Vegas.
UNLV Rebels 2021 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Rebels couldn’t get anything going LY and only scored 20+ points in two of their six games. The good news is that is wasn’t a complete LOST CAUSE as they got acceptable production on the ground (145 YPG, #6 MW), and #1 RB Charles Williams returns for what seems like his 9th year at UNLV. Don’t forget that Williams booked 1,257 (!) yards rushing in 2019 so he’s a fantastic piece to build around. The 789,000 dollar question is what can we expect at the QB position? This is a PUZZLER that has confused handicappers since the reign of the MING DYNASTY. Neither Doug Brumfield or Justin Rogers have much experience so we’ll see what happens. Essentially anyone that caught a pass is back this year and they’ll feature WR Kyle Williams (35-426, 2 TD) in the THROW GAME. The OL is a major concern and we’re hoping they can do a better job of protecting the QB (29 sacks allowed, LAST MW/game). It’s hard to get too excited given the questions at QB and OL.
DEFENSE
HOLD MY BEER.
Last season’s offense was pathetic but the defense was worse. They allowed 38 PPG and an unseemly 255 YPG on the ground (#122 FBS). Opponents scored 34+ points in every game. The Rebels will hope that a move to a 3-4 alignment will play dividends in 2021 as the LB group looks pretty decent with the return of their top-two sack men Adam Plant (3.5, 7 TFL) and Jacoby Windmon (5, 6.5 TFL). They’ll need to improve up front but at least the have decent size and they add USC transfer Connor Murphy who should grab a starting gig. The secondary is experienced but they’ll need to force more turnovers (2 INT, 6G), and they would be greatly assisted by an improved pass rush (14 sacks, #9 MW sacks allowed per game).
SPECIAL TEAMS
Things don’t look special by any means, but they do have continuity in the kicking game with the return of PK Daniel Gutierrez (5/6 FG) and P Charlton Butt (37.0 net).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – There are a small handful of winnable games and they miss Boise St. On the other hand, they play in a nasty division and get Arizona St (A), Iowa St (H), and UTSA (A) in non-conference play.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – at UTSA (October 2nd)
This will be their 3rd road game in four weeks and it’s in the middle of a pair of Mountain West games.
Season Win Total
per 5Dimes July 18
Over 1.5 +100
Under 1.5 -120
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Over.
They’ll most likely have to win two of the three “winnable games” (E Washington, New Mexico, Utah St) or pull a major upset along the way. Not impossible.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
MEGALOCKS Outlook:
This is clearly a program in the early stages of a rebuild and it’ll be interesting to see what HC Marcus Arroyo can do in his first full season. They have a legit star at RB and some interesting pieces scattered over the roster but they’ll struggle to win more than a game or two this year. In any event, GO REBELS!
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