UNLV/Fresno State
Time: 10 PM ET
Spread: -9.5 FRE
Total: 65.5
M/L: FS -345; UNLV +285
Betting Odds from Bookmaker
It’s been a tough season thus far for the 1-5 UNLV Rebels. The team lingers behind at 1-5 with an 0-2 conference record, and going to Fresno State isn’t expected to better its chances. The Fresno State Bulldogs will be 9.5 point favorites as hosts with the total in college odds set at a deceivingly high 65.5.
What makes it tricky is that UNLV has one of the worst defenses in the nation and surrenders 38.7 points per game, while scoring just 16.8 on its own. The pass has been middlingly effective, while the rush has been pretty poor. UNLV ranks 70th in passing yardage and 94th in rushing yardage, but has scored 17 points or less in five of its six games, and the best offensive output against Northern Illinois (34 points) still resulted in a 14 point loss.
Blake Decker has thrown for 1,300 yards, but accuracy hasn’t been something to go with it. He’s 54.7 percent on completion percentage and has thrown nearly twice as many INTs as he has TDs. In the backfield, only Keith Whitley posts a solid yards per carry, with 4.9 per rush on 61 attempts. He’s still only managed one TD on the year, while Decker has rushed for two himself. Little used Shaquille Murray Lawrence has a team-high three TDs on the ground.
Fresno State has been pretty proficient offensively. The team has generated 239.8 yards per game via the rush and 191.7 on the ground. The defense has been less stellar, giving up 36.5 points per game, with the other team scoring 50 or more in three of the six games. Since the 0-3 start, the Bulldogs have won contests over Southern Utah, New Mexico and San Diego State, while holding that trio of teams to a total of 53 points combined.
Brian Burrell has done a solid job at QB. He has 1,031 yards on 56.9 percent, with 8 TDs to just 4 INTs. His backfield has been solid, too, with Marteze Walker leading the way with a 5.9 yard per carry average and four TDs. Burrell has also rushed for 230 yards, including a 66-yard TD as one of his two rushing TDs.
The balance of Fresno State’s attack is shown by the fact it has 12 rushing TDs and 11 receiving. Josh Harper has been a relative superstar at wide receiver with 450 yards and a 12.9 yard per reception average. Beyond him, the Bulldogs have a stable of solid options, such as Da’Mari Scott, Aaron Peck, Greg Watson and Delvon Hardaway. The team has remained healthy and won three straight, so the 9.5 point spread in college football is fully indicative of the Bulldogs’ potential this season following the horrendous start.
