5 reasons the UNLV-San Jose State game is important

UNLV plays at San Jose State at 5 p.m. Saturday. Here are five reasons why that football game is important:

1. The Rebels’ bowl hopes are dim at best, but they are alive. A victory over the Spartans would increase those hopes with the soft part of the schedule coming up and the chance to rack up some victories.

2. UNLV is showing signs of being the type of team coach Bobby Hauck said it was before the season. The Rebels could have beaten San Diego State on Saturday, but mistakes stood in the way of pulling off the upset. If they clean up their game at San Jose State, that would bode well for the rest of the season.

3. The Rebels need the simple confidence boost of a victory. This is a good chance to get one.

4. The West Division in the Mountain West remains wide open, even with UNLV’s 0-1 conference record. UNLV can still have a big part in how it plays out, but only if it beats the Spartans.

5. San Jose State allows just 83 yards passing per game, but the Spartans give up a 262-yard average on the ground. UNLV’s running game has talent, and for Keith Whitely and George Naufahu to play well would aid their progress.