UNLV hardly impressed in what can only be described as a difficult opener vs. a middling Big Sky rep (Idaho State), as shrewd observers remain unconvinced about the Dan Mullen hire in the desert. While Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea was a surprising dual-threat last week, and RB Jett Thomas (three TD runs) flashed his big-play ability, there are lots of questions about a Rebels defense that yielded 555 yards to the Bengals, who if not for a couple of late turnovers would have been in position to pull a Grimsby Town vs. Man United-type upset. Phil Longo's Bearkats offense displayed some decent balance in the opener vs. dangerous WKU, with QB Hunter Watson accounting for 300 total yards via run and pass. Play Sam Houston.

The UNLV defense looked horrific last week, which isn't a surprise considering nearly the entire unit is brand new and full of transfers. Offensively, the Rebels were explosive. Sam Houston allowed 41 points to WKU, and it probably should've been more.