As we move deeper into the 2024 college football season, Syracuse heads west for their first road game of the season to face the undefeated UNLV Rebels at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday night. This cross-country matchup pits two teams on the rise, with Syracuse at 3-1 and UNLV riding high at 4-0, ranked No. 25 in the AP Poll and No. 23 in the Coaches’ Poll.
Syracuse Orange: Ready for the Road
The Orange enter Friday’s contest off a dominant 42-14 win over Holy Cross, which improved their record to 3-1. It has been a season of growth for first-year head coach Fran Brown, who has infused the program with a fresh mentality and a commitment to detailed execution. Syracuse will be tested in Las Vegas, where they will play under the lights of Allegiant Stadium, facing a Rebels team that is brimming with confidence.
Kyle McCord has been the star of Syracuse’s offense, ranking first nationally in passing yards per game at 364.8. In just four games, McCord has amassed 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading an Orange passing attack that ranks third in the nation. His efficiency and precision make him a dangerous weapon as the Orange look to outduel the high-scoring Rebels. Wide receiver Trebor Pena has been McCord’s go-to target, hauling in five touchdown passes this season and ranking eighth in the nation in receptions per game.
On the ground, running back LeQuint Allen will look to provide balance to Syracuse’s explosive passing game. Allen has been a versatile threat, leading the team with 113.75 all-purpose yards per game. Syracuse will need to rely on Allen’s dual-threat capabilities to keep UNLV’s defense on its toes.
Defensively, Syracuse has held opponents to an average of 22.5 points per game, but they will need to find ways to contain UNLV’s explosive offense. Linebacker Marlowe Wax will lead the charge, looking to disrupt the Rebels’ rhythm. Syracuse’s pass rush has been a bright spot, and they will need to bring pressure against UNLV’s quarterback to keep the Rebels from getting into an offensive groove.
UNLV Rebels: Chasing Perfection
UNLV is off to a perfect 4-0 start, and they are now the last remaining undefeated team in the Mountain West Conference. Led by second-year head coach Barry Odom, the Rebels are ranked for the first time since moving to Division I in 1978. Their most recent win, a 59-14 dismantling of Fresno State, showcased their offensive prowess and defensive stinginess. UNLV leads the Mountain West in scoring defense, allowing just 13.8 points per game, while ranking second in the conference in scoring offense with an impressive 45.2 points per game.
The key player for UNLV is their new starting quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams. Williams was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 list and the Manning Award Stars of the Week following his first career start against Fresno State, where he threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns and added 119 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Williams has transformed the Rebels offense into a versatile threat, and Syracuse will need to be prepared for his dual-threat abilities.
In addition to Williams, UNLV features one of the nation’s top receivers in Ricky White III, a preseason All-American. White has already recorded multiple 100-yard receiving games this season and will be the focal point of the Rebels’ passing game. If Syracuse’s secondary cannot contain him, it could be a long night for the Orange defense.
Defensively, UNLV has been opportunistic, forcing turnovers in 17 of their last 18 games. Linebacker Jackson Woodard leads the team with 31 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. His ability to disrupt Syracuse’s offense will be critical to the Rebels’ success. The Rebels also rank second in the nation in interceptions, with four picks coming in their win over Fresno State. Syracuse’s passing attack will be tested against this ball-hawking secondary.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Kyle McCord vs. UNLV’s Secondary: McCord has been nearly unstoppable through the air, but UNLV’s defense has thrived on forcing turnovers. The battle between McCord’s accuracy and the Rebels’ secondary will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.
- Hajj-Malik Williams vs. Syracuse’s Defense: Syracuse has shown vulnerability against mobile quarterbacks, and Williams’ ability to make plays with both his arm and legs could cause problems for the Orange. Syracuse will need to contain him if they want to keep UNLV’s offense in check.
- Ricky White III vs. Syracuse’s Secondary: White is one of the top receivers in the country, and Syracuse will need to find a way to limit his big-play potential. The Orange cannot afford to let White run wild if they hope to stay competitive.
What They’re Saying
During a recent press conference, Coach Fran Brown emphasized the importance of execution in this matchup: “UNLV is a well-coached team, and they’re playing with a lot of confidence right now. We need to be disciplined, play our game, and limit mistakes. We’ve shown what we’re capable of, but we need to bring that same energy on the road.”
UNLV’s head coach Barry Odom praised his team’s growth this season: “I’m really proud of how this team has come together. We’ve got playmakers all over the field, and it’s been fun watching them execute. We know Syracuse is going to be a challenge, but we’re ready to defend our home field.”
Expectations and Prediction
This game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. Both teams boast explosive offenses, and while Syracuse’s passing game has been electric, UNLV’s balanced attack and home-field advantage could give them the edge. Expect a close contest with plenty of offensive fireworks, but ultimately, UNLV’s ability to control the pace of the game and force turnovers could be the deciding factor.
Conclusion:
Syracuse’s road test against an undefeated UNLV squad will be a defining moment for Coach Fran Brown’s team. With a powerful offense led by Kyle McCord, the Orange have the tools to compete, but they’ll need to bring their best effort to overcome a talented and well-coached Rebels team. Both teams will be fighting for momentum as the season heads into its critical stretch, and fans can expect a thrilling Friday night under the lights in Las Vegas.
