Willie Fritz makes his Houston debut with a mostly-new cast of characters pulled from the transfer portal, though QB Donovan Smith does return from Dana Holgorsen's last Cougars team after tossing 22 TD passes in 2023. UH will need to keep pace, however, with o c Brennan Marion's UNLV "Go Go" offense that scored nearly 35 ppg a year ago and returns many big-play weapons (including WRs Ricky White III and Jacob De Jesus) for the dual-threat transfer QBs likely to take snaps, including mobile ex-Campbell pilot Hajj-Malik Williams. But is the Rebel defense any stiffer than it was down the stretch in 2023 when allowing 44 ppg its last three games? Play UNLV-Houston "Over"

The Cougars aren't going to be very good this season but at least they have a veteran QB in Donovan Smith who combined for 28 passing / rushing TDs last year. UNLV scored 30+ in 10 of 14 games last season and should be dynamic with a new QB in OC Brennan Marion's system. This one could be fun if you like points. UNLV 38, Houston 28.

UNLV reached the Mountain West title game last year but also lost the biggest reason for that in star QB Jayden Maiava to Southern Cal (and the Rebs faded late with three straight overall losses including the bowl game). Houston is off a disappointing 4-8 season but has upgraded at head coach with former Tulane boss Willie Fritz and does return dual-threat QB Donovan Smith. The entire running back rotation also is back. I prefer a mediocre Big 12 team at home vs. a mediocre Mountain West club on the road is really all this is. Via ESPN's BPI, Houston is ranked eight spots better. Massey ranks the Cougars 15 spots higher.