UNLV really hasn’t been tested yet. Even though the Orange dropped a more than winnable game to Stanford, they’re still the best team the Rebels have faced thus far. UNLV’s secondary haven’t seen a passing game like the Orange yet and will want to establish the run first. Syracuse has a good run defense and the ability to hang in this one.

UNLV exploded on offense last week, and they kept up their run of solid defensive play. The Rebels are a really good football team, and I expect them to play well in front of what will likely be a national audience on Friday night. Syracuse is a solid team as well, and they have consistently played well on defense this season. I see this as a 27-24 type of game.

UNLV blew the doors off Fresno last week following its QB change, but that change played a big role because nobody knew what the Rebels offense would look like with Hajj-Malik Williams. Now Syracuse knows, and Syracuse has a few dudes of their own.

UNLV's offense has clearly upgraded since making the QB change to Hajj-Malik Williams and while Barry Odom is a sharp defensive mind the Rebels haven't had to face a dynamic offense like what Syracuse presents with its multitude of weapons. Throw in the controlled conditions of Allegiant Stadium and I think we've got a fast track situation for two offenses ready to move on Friday night.

Following the much-publicized departure of former QB Matthew Sluka because of a reported NIL deal gone awry, the Rebels responded by thumping conference rival Fresno State 59-14 to earn a spot in the top 25. But under first-year coach Fran Brown, the Orange have emerged as one of the most improved power-conference teams in the country, with a win over a ranked Georgia Tech club to their credit. Behind Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord, Syracuse has enough firepower to keep pace in what rates to be an up-tempo affair.

UNLV football was one of the best cover teams last season and this year they picked right up where they left off at 4-0 against the spread and 4-0 straight up this year. The oddsmakers can't catch up. Their rating increases every week and yet they keep covering. This week Syracuse and Kyle McCord come to town and UNLV has to win by more than a touchdown to cover. Hajj-Malik Williams was 13 of 16, 182 yards, and three touchdowns in his debut as a starter as the last quarterback quit the team for NIL money. The Rebels beat Fresno State 59-14 last week and won at Kansas and Houston. Syracuse won't be able to handle the barrage that's coming at them. Rebels cover.