UNLV vs. Fresno State: How it breaks down by position

QUARTERBACK

Kurt Palandech will start for UNLV, but expect to see Blake Decker at some point. Either of them is a better option than what Fresno State offers. The Bulldogs are on their fourth starter.

Edge: UNLV

RUNNING BACK

The Bulldogs' Marteze Waller's production has fallen way off from last season, though it's not all his fault. UNLV averages about 100 yards more per game than Fresno State.

Edge: UNLV

WIDE RECEIVER

The Rebels' receivers are showing signs of playing up to expectations, but Fresno State's group has been more productive and consistent.

Edge: Fresno State

OFFENSIVE LINE

This is all you need to know: Fresno State has given up 47 tackles for loss, the 7.8-per-game average seventh worst nationally.

Edge: UNLV

DEFENSIVE LINE

Both teams have struggled against the run, but UNLV has been a little better, giving up 33 fewer yards per game. And the Rebels have put together long stretches of making plays up front.

Edge: UNLV

LINEBACKER

Fresno State's two leading tacklers are Ejiro Ederaine and Jeff Camilli, who have combined for 86 stops. Ederaine also has eight tackles for loss, including four sacks.

Edge: Fresno State

SECONDARY

UNLV's secondary played well for most of the first half of the season, but gave up 329 yards passing on Saturday against San Jose State. No reason the Rebels should give up that kind of total tonight, and they are a play-making unit that has helped UNLV intercept 10 passes, second in the Mountain West and tied for fifth nationally.

Edge: UNLV

SPECIAL TEAMS

UNLV's coverage teams could be much better, but Fresno State hasn't been a threat in the return game. The Rebels are just a little better across the board in this category.

Edge: UNLV

INTANGIBLES

Fresno State has the motivation of wanting to avenge last season's loss in Las Vegas and for being the underdog. The Rebels also have to refocus after the difficult loss to San Jose State.

Edge: Fresno State

HANDICAPPER'S TAKE

Bruce Marshall (goldsheet.com): UNLV 33, FRESNO STATE 24 — California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein could be working Capitol Hill to gain federal protection for Fresno football alongside the endangered Delta smelt following the latest gridiron disaster for the Bulldogs in last Saturday's 56-14 home loss to Utah State. The wheels have definitely come off for coach Tim DeRuyter, whose is quickly falling out of favor in the Central Valley as Fresno has lost and failed to cover five straight, with a whopping loss margin of 29 points per game in those setbacks. Even if Decker is still hurting and Palandech is again in the lineup for UNLV, prefer the emerging Rebels, one of the few pleasant surprises in the Mountain West and continuing to respond positively for new coach Tony Sanchez.