So this is what happens when you win?

There are a couple of indications around Sam Boyd Stadium that UNLV is coming off a big victory.

First of all, 15 minutes before the game, the crowd is noticeably larger and louder than it was before the Utah State game three weeks ago.

Part of that can be attributed to the large gathering of Iowa State fans on the East side of the venue, but there are plenty of Rebel fans here as well.

The larger crowd was responsible for a traffic jam on the way out to Sam Boyd Stadium as early as, get this, three hours before the game.

And the most telling sign that this could be a different season for UNLV: There is actually a representative of the Poinsettia Bowl in the press box scouting the Rebels.

OK, let’s relax a little bit. How about getting their third victory of the season before the talk turns to bowl eligibility.

On a much more important note, the talk all around the press box is focused on the apparently successful heart transplant performed on former UNLV basketball standout Glen Gondrezick in Los Angeles today. Everyone wishes him all the best.