Week 6: UNLV at Colorado State

UNLV was looking like the surprise team of the Mountain West until giving up 620 total yards in a 49-27 loss to rival Nevada, so the Rebels will have to regroup for this meeting of teams expected to finish in the bottom half of the standings.

Colorado State is reeling after a 42-7 loss at California, but the consolation for the Rams is that score was somewhat deceiving. Three of Cal's first four touchdowns came via a blocked punt, an interception return and a punt return. Well, that's one way to keep your defense off the field. Those three extra possessions enabled CSU's offense to keep the statistics about even, with 351 total yards to Cal's 348 yards.

However, quarterback Billy Farris threw two interceptions and running back Kyle Bell tossed another on an option play.

UNLV was ransacked by Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who ran for 240 yards and passed for 176 yards, accounting for five touchdowns. The Rebels have dropped to 97th in the country in total defense, allowing 410 yards a game.

Whether CSU can take advantage of UNLV's vulnerability is the question. The Rams have thrown the ball well at times, averaging 252 yards, but that has not always translated into points and the running game has been inconsistent. Klay Kubiak played well relief of Farris after the outcome was decided at Cal and may figure into coach Steve Fairchild's quarterbacking plans at some point.

Defensively, the Rams have shown improvement, but still are allowing 240 passing yards a game. That should be a favorable matchup for UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton, who has thrown only one interception in five games.

Things to watch

UNLV ranked last in the Mountain West in red-zone scoring last season, converting on 26 of 37 trips inside the 20-yard line, with 15 touchdowns. This season, the Rebels are 15-for-15, with 12 touchdowns.

Colorado State has won 11 of the last 12 meetings with UNLV.

UNLV linebacker Jason Beauchamp was credited with 21 tackles against Nevada.

Colorado State is one of three teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision that has not lost a fumble this season.

Key player (Rebels) — Daryl Forte, DB

UNLV will not have to deal with a running quarterback this week, so Forte can focus on run support against a traditional offense and defending the pass. The play of UNLV's secondary will be important, because Colorado State likes throw.

Key player (Rams) — Gartrell Johnson, RB

Still splitting time with Kyle Bell, Johnson is running for 75 yards a game, and he's vital in providing some balance to CSU's pass-oriented offense. If he's running consistently, the passing game could thrive against UNLV.

UNLV by 3