Wyoming Travels to Las Vegas for UNLV Matchup

The University of Wyoming football team travels to Las Vegas on Saturday to face the UNLV Rebels at 8:30 p.m. The game is set to air on CBS Sports Network. The Cowboys enter the contest with a 5-3 overall record and a 4-1 mark in Mountain West play.

UNLV holds a 5-3 overall record and a 3-1 conference standing. Wyoming has won three straight games and aims to extend that streak to four. The Cowboys have been off for two weeks while preparing for this road game.

Head coach Jay Sawvel noted that the energy in the program has improved recently. “It's a great atmosphere around here right now because there’s a buzz every day you come into this building,” Sawvel said. The coaching staff expects a difficult matchup against what they describe as the most athletic defense they have faced this season.

Wyoming’s offense relies on quarterback Tyler Hughes, who is in the senior year of his eligibility. Hughes has seen a rise in confidence that has led to big plays in both the passing and running games. Tight end Jake Wilson serves as his primary target, holding 22 receptions this season. Running back Samuel Harris, who is in his sophomore year, has 68 carries for a 4.9 yards-per-carry average. Markell Holman also contributes to the rushing attack.

UNLV will look to quarterback Jackson Arnold, a dual-threat player averaging 207 passing yards per game. Arnold leads the conference with 13 passing touchdowns. Running back Jai'Den Thomas has accumulated 831 total yards and six touchdowns across eight games. Cornerback Mumu Bin-Wahad leads the Rebel defense with four interceptions and 27 tackles.

Wyoming has struggled with turnovers on the road, sitting at minus-7 in turnover margin with eight turnovers this season. The Cowboys have played better at protecting the football recently but face a test against UNLV's athletic defensive group.