UNLV vs. North Texas predictions: RJ staffers pick winner of Saturday’s game

Las Vegas Review-Journal reporters and editors make their picks for the Rebels’ Mountain West game at North Texas on Saturday:

Ed Graney

UNLV beat writer/columnist (1-1)

Do you remember the part about UNLV having a sneaky tough schedule? This is one of the reasons why. North Texas and all its new faces, despite the final score, outgained Indiana last week and, perhaps more impressively, totaled more rushing yards than the defending national champion. Travel might be an issue here for UNLV, which had to make the Hawaii trip last week and now immediately hits the road again.

North Texas 27, UNLV 24

Donovan Hicks

UNLV backup writer (1-1)

The Mean Green underwent significant changes this offseason, bringing in a new coaching staff and over 70 new players, but they held their own against the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers in Week 1. For a UNLV offense that has struggled to generate consistency at times through its first two games, it might be too much to overcome in a road matchup that will come down to the wire.

North Texas 31, UNLV 24

Adam Hill

Raiders beat writer/columnist (1-1)

The Rebels bounced back on the Island last week, buoyed mostly by a tremendous defensive effort. The offense still isn’t quite up to the level expected from a Dan Mullen team, however. Jackson Arnold has shown some flashes, but there isn’t enough consistency, and the offensive line hasn’t been able to generate enough space for what should be an explosive run game to get going. Most importantly, the travel is just brutal.

North Texas 20, UNLV 16

Sam Gordon

Raiders beat writer/columnist (0-2)

UNLV’s defense travels again opposite its steady offense.

UNLV 27, North Texas 17

Alex Wright

High school beat writer (0-2)

While UNLV’s win in Hawaii was a much-needed result, it wasn’t a convincing victory. UNLV’s offensive line concerns could hinder Jackson Arnold’s ability to find a rhythm and Jai’Den Thomas’ effectiveness. The Rebels have another tough road trip against a North Texas squad that should be motivated after a respectable showing against Indiana last week.

North Texas 28, UNLV 24

Bill Bradley

Sports Editor (0-2)

On one hand, the Mean Green are coming off a 12-2 season and they didn’t look too bad in a 52-16 loss at Indiana (seriously). On the other hand, most of that 12-2 team bolted with coach Eric Morris for Oklahoma State. The lack of familiarity will bite them early, and the Rebels will roll to a victory.

UNLV 41, North Texas 14

Richard Bush

Assistant Sports Editor (1-1)

UNLV‘s travel schedule is pretty brutal with the turnaround from Hawaii last week to Texas this week. And North Texas is a tough opponent, even if the Mean Green might not be as good this season as last year. But the quality of the Rebels’ season hinges on this game, so here’s a call for a tight UNLV victory.

UNLV 28, North Texas 24