5 burning questions for UNLV’s game against Idaho State

Five burning questions for UNLV's football game against Idaho State at 6 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium:

1. Is there any reason UNLV won't win? If the Rebels build on what were at times promising play in the first three games, yes. But UNLV fans knows the school's recent history against Football Championship Subdivision teams isn't the greatest.

2. What's the key this weekend? The Rebels need to be aggressive and get off to a strong start. They have allowed FCS teams to hang around, and that has led to two losses and then last season a victory over Northern Colorado that felt like a defeat.

3. How good is Idaho State? Tough to tell. This is a team that averaged 40.3 points per game last season, but hasn't found its rhythm this year. The Bengals are capable of putting it together, though, and UNLV must hope that doesn't happen this weekend.

4. Will UNLV quarterback Blake Decker get it done Saturday? He won't face cornerbacks like he saw at Michigan. They didn't allow the Rebels' wide receivers to get open. Decker should have more opportunities against the Bengals.

5. Is the Rebels' defense that showed up at Michigan the one that will keep showing up? What should give UNLV fans hope is the defense had its strong moments against Northern Illinois and UCLA, too. But the defense gave up some plays in all three games as well. How it plays against Idaho State will be telling for the rest of the season.

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him: @markanderson65