MWC Title Game Preview: Rebels Look to Repel Broncos

Dec 5, 20242 min read

Updated: Dec 8, 2024

MWC Title Game | Boise State Broncos vs. UNLV Rebels — © Brian Losness-Imagn Images

The Mountain West Conference championship game is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. EST on Dec. 6 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, with the No. 20 UNLV Rebels (10-2, 6-1) taking on the No. 10 Boise State Broncos (11-1, 7-0). The game will be broadcast on FOX.

Much is on the line in the Friday evening conference title tilt between the Rebels and Broncos, as the winner will likely be assured a spot in the College Football Playoff.

See how our picks stack up compared to odds across betting sites.

Regular Season Matchup

UNLV's only two regular season losses were an overtime defeat at the hands of the Syracuse Orange (9-3, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) and a 29-24 setback against the Broncos on Oct. 25 in Las Vegas. In the narrow loss to Boise State, the Rebels led going into the fourth quarter. The UNLV defense focused on containing BSU's all-everything running back, Ashton Jeanty, and did a solid job, holding the Heisman Trophy contender to 128 rushing yards. It was Jeanty's second-lowest total of the season, but he scored the game-winning touchdown.

First-Rate Rebels

The dynamic UNLV offense has outgained its opponents by 200 yards per game. After Matthew Sluka commenced the season as the Rebels' starting quarterback, dual-threat QB Hajj-Malik Williams took over when Sluka left the team amidst allegations that UNLV had not honored NIL agreements. Williams has thrived in the leading role, throwing for 1,735 yards and 17 TDs, with only 4 interceptions while rushing for another 768 yards and 9 TDs.

First-team All-American wide receiver Ricky White III is Williams' favorite target in UNLV's passing game. White has 75 receptions for 1,020 yards and 11 TDs.

On the other side of the ball, the Rebels are led by senior linebacker Jackson Woodard. After transferring from Arkansas, he has tallied a team-leading 118 tackles, tying him for No. 10 in the nation. He also excels in pass coverage, with 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups. Bleacher Report recently singled out Woodard as a player whose NFL Draft stock is rapidly rising.

Blazing Broncos

All college football fans know that Jeanty is Boise State's star. Already established as one of college football's greatest running backs, he is chasing the all-time single-season rushing record established more than three decades ago by Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.

But Jeanty does not do it all alone for the Broncos. Each of a quartet of BSU receivers has at least 4 TD receptions—WRs Cameron Camper, Latrell Caples, Austin Bolt and tight end Matt Lauter. This prolific receiving corps lends balance to the potent offense spearheaded by Jeanty.

After a rocky start to the season, the Broncos defense has been stout in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, not allowing any of its opponents more than 24 points. In a talented defensive secondary, A'Marion McCoy and Ty Benefield have had solid years. McCoy has 12 pass breakups, 1 INT and 1 forced fumble. Benefield has 3 PBUs, 2 INTs and 2 fumble recoveries.

Boise State is a formidable, balanced team.