Are the Rebels finally turning the tide in their fight to salvage the season? Entering last week's trip to Akron, UNLV had been held to 21 points or fewer in each of its first three skirmishes before breaking through for 38 points and an easy cover against the Zips. A tougher test awaits at home against ACC foe Cal, but the Rebels may have finally found some offensive momentum. Akron and Cal are very different opponents, yet UNLV appears ready to dig in and keep pushing forward, with a chance to emerge from another hard-fought battle as the victor.
California enters Saturday's matchup with the same 2-2 record as UNLV, but only one of the Golden Bears' victories has come against a Power Four opponent. Their two losses came against ranked UCLA and Clemson, with Cal falling by three touchdowns and two touchdowns, respectively, on its home field. The Golden Bears leave the comfort of Berkley and head into Allegiant Stadium, filled with screaming fans -- a crowd expected to be heavily dressed in black and red.
UNLV faces a demanding road ahead, with most of its remaining schedule filled by conference opponents. A home win over a respected ACC program could provide a much-needed boost and keep the Rebels' season moving in the right direction. After reaching a bowl game in each of the last three years, the College Football Playoff was likely the goal entering the season, and a 2-2 start have all but put those hopes to rest. Still, don't expect coach Mullen to wave the white flag. Look for UNLV to be well-prepared and capable of doing enough to finish the night in the lead by a field goal or more.
UNLV vs California prediction: UNLV Rebels -2.5 (-115) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number to -120.
