Heading into first-place showdown, UNLV football still getting better

Steve Marcus

UNLV Rebels celebrate after defeating the Wyoming Cowboys 34-14 in a NCAA football game at Allegiant Stadium Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 | 2 a.m.

In the last two weeks, the UNLV football team has demonstrated remarkable performance. They scored a season-high 56 points in a win over New Mexico and held Wyoming to only 14 points in another triumph. The second half of the game against Wyoming saw the defense shutting out the opponents, ultimately leading to a 34-14 victory that propelled the Scarlet and Gray into a first-place tie in the Mountain West standings.

This evidence shows that UNLV is playing its best football at the most crucial time, and coach Barry Odom believes there is still room for improvement.

“Defensively, offensively and kicking, we have not played our best game,” Odom said. “I’m hopeful that if we have a really good week of preparation, that we’ll get a little bit closer to that pursuit.”

So, how did this program transform from an epic collapse in the second half of the 2022 season to now surging as they drive for a conference championship?

Some of it can be attributed to good fortune. The roster has remained remarkably healthy, and Odom reported that no injuries came out of the Wyoming game. Moreover, starting cornerback Jerrae Williams is nearing a return from injury, which should strengthen the defense when he returns to the field.

The players themselves have contributed significantly to the team’s progress. With UNLV installing new schemes on both sides of the ball, it’s only natural that the level of play rises as the team becomes more familiar with the X’s and O’s. This is especially evident with first-year starting quarterback, Jayden Maiava.

Maiava took over after Brumfield’s injury and has been learning on the job, with excellent results. The 6-foot-4 Liberty High School product turned in another efficient outing against Wyoming, completing 17-of-24 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown, with no turnovers. For the season, Maiava has completed 65.5% for 2,058 yards, with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also has three rushing touchdowns.

Defensively, UNLV will face a tough task against Air Force’s option rushing attack, which has dominated the Scarlet and Gray in the past. But with Odom leading the way, the team is on a different trajectory now, and the outlook is promising.

With hard work and perseverance, UNLV continues to climb, leaving their opponents to believe that they will indeed face one of their toughest tests in the coming games.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.