5 burning questions for the UNLV-Utah State game

Five burning questions for when UNLV plays Utah State at 3 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium:

1. How do the Rebels bounce back this time?

This has been an emotional season for the Rebels. Either they will rally again and take business as a 4½-point favorite, or losing a 27-0 lead in Saturday’s 34-30 loss at Air Force will be a setback that is too difficult to overcome. Stay tuned.

2. What would a victory mean?

It would put UNLV back into the conversation for a bowl bid because the Rebels would be 3-4 with some potential victories remaining on the schedule, so coach Tony Sanchez needs to emphasize to his players they still have plenty to play for. A loss doesn’t mathematically end such hopes for the Rebels, but they realistically wouldn’t be in the running.

3. Will UNLV make any significant changes this week?

Probably not. The roster is pretty well in place the way the coaches want it, and they are likely to emphasize to their players they’re not far away. The reality is this team should be 4-2. The fact they aren’t, of course, is troubling. By the end of the season, they probably will look back at this season as one big missed opportunity.

4. Will UNLV return to the run game?

The Rebels need to, as Sanchez said after the game at Air Force. They ran 26 times for 197 yards in building a 27-7 lead in the first half and 13 times for 69 yards in the second as the Falcons outscored them 27-3.

5. Why is UNLV favored over Utah State?

Being at home helps, and the Rebels still own one of the Mountain West’s best offenses at 31.0 points per game. The sharps like UNLV in this game, betting the Rebels up two points from the opening line. But Utah State, which averages 29.9 points, won’t be a gimme.

More Rebels: Follow all of our UNLV coverage online at reviewjournal.com/Rebels and @RJRebels on Twitter.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.