UNLV Rebels vs. Houston Cougars 8/31/2024 – As the 2024 college football season begins, the UNLV Rebels will face off against the Houston Cougars on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at TDECU Stadium. With UNLV coming off a strong opening game and Houston ready to kickstart their campaign, this matchup is set to be intriguing. Both teams have different aspirations this season, making it an exciting clash for fans and analysts alike. Fans looking for elite NCAAF free picks will want to pay close attention to this game, as it may set a precedent for the teams’ performances moving forward.
UNLV Rebels vs. Houston Cougars 8/31/2024 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | TDECU Stadium |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
UNLV Rebels (1-0) vs. Houston Cougars (0-0)
The UNLV Rebels kick off the season all fired up since they won their first game. They will be attempting to extend their early season success. However, this will be a massive challenge because the first game of the year is always difficult for teams like the Houston Cougars, who are equally looking to make a statement. Among the recent trends for UNLV this past season is their good run on the spread, where they have been 10-4 in the last fourteen games, and winning strategies.
On the other hand, the Houston Cougars are looking to make this season better, as last year was rather rough for them. They aim to enter this game and carry out an unbeaten run at home. The Cougars’ history has been great concerning matches with Non-FBS teams; they have won the last five straight, and capacity seasons opened for Houston, but betting trends suggest trouble when they are favorites to win bets, especially at home where they have gone spread less in nine of their last ten games.
UNLV Rebels Rushing and Receiving
Breaking down the strategies used by UNLV Rebels indicates that they pose a threat offensively, and that threat is brought by quarterback Jayden Maiava. In his debut match last season, he did not go short on effectiveness after passing for 3085 yards with a 63.5% completion rate and a passer rating of 147.1. He will try to work on throwing commensurate 75% of the time backward with increasing the number of touchdowns he will make, focusing on number 10 because the competition is more brutal and the calls of Houston’s defense are more complex. As suspected, one of the primary strategies adopted by the lady rebels will be incorporating the passing game in the attack to create openings behind the Cougar’s defenders. Another exciting match will take place between Western Kentucky and Alabama today.
The same cannot be said about running back Vincent Davis Jr. He crossed the 700 mark in the rushing category with 760 rushing yards from 145 attempts last season, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt, which makes him dependable in the running attack. Davis must do well because Houston defenders will not always pressure Maiava. Additionally, it will involve wide receiver Ricky White III who had a fantastic season posting 1483 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, and will also be very crucial for the team. UNLV must make use of its excellent arsenal if it is to remain competitive in the game against Houston.
Houston Cougars Rushing and Receiving
In contrast, the offensive unit of Houston, headed by quarterback Donovan Smith, also has quite an offensive unit. Last year was a good year for Smith, who made 2801 throwing yards with 64,5 percent percentile. He had a good potential for creating long successful drives with 22 passing Touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions, but some problems still needed solving. His ability to stretch the field will be highly vital against the Rebels, and he WILL HAVE to cut down on TOs for Houston to dictate the tempo of the game from the first whistle.
The Cougars will also count on running back Parker Jenkins. He made 464 rushing yards in 99 attempts with three rushing touchdowns and rushing yards 4.7. The quickness and effectiveness of Jenkins will be just what is needed in the beginning so that Smith does not have to try and do everything early before different plays are opened up. In addition, wide receiver Samuel Brown provided a deep threat with 815 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season. The way that the reconstruction of the plans will take place for the offense will also be similar to that seen in the case of the UCLA vs. Hawaii game, where teams will react to weak defense with quick scoring opportunities.
Jayden Maiava QB vs. Donovan Smith QB
In the ongoing battle for the quarterback’s glory, Jayden Maiava presents the future of the yesteryears for the UNLV Rebels. The numbers made out a bright but shaky year for him last season, where he posted some excellent games and some terrible finishing, incredibly in high-pressure scenarios. With a big arm and the skills to create plays, Maiava has to use his best features and work on his accuracy against stronger competition.
As for the Houston Cougars, Donovan Smith is built for the season, armed with previous achievements. His passing statistics are decent enough while he is trying to up his game in terms of performance against UNLV. Judging from last season, Smith has a lot of experience with many types of defenses, and this one shouldn’t be so hard for him, especially with the new offense he is coming in with for the Cougars.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Houston Cougars -28.0 (-110), Total Odds: 54.4 under -110
Current betting odds favor the Houston Cougars, indicating them as 28-point favorites, which reflects the expectation that they will dominate the game. The matchup total is 54.4, suggesting a lower-scoring consideration might be favored among oddsmakers—possibly hinting at a tight defensive effort from both sides.
While the spread indicates a strong expectation for a Houston victory, bettors should analyze recent trends carefully, especially Houston’s challenges in covering at home. Balancing this against the confidence exuded by the Cougars might provide valuable insights when placing wagers.
UNLV Rebels Betting Trends
UNLV’s betting trends reflect positivity, particularly with a 10-5 straight-up record over their last 15 games. They have covered the spread in 10 of their last 14 games, showcasing their capacity to compete effectively against the line. Additionally, their strong run of performances on the road (6-0 ATS) indicates that they are prepared for challenging environments, hinting at their potential value in the upcoming match against Houston.
However, the challenge remains with their journey against FBS schools. Consistency will be critical for the Rebels as they build on their early success while navigating a tough matchup that carries risk yet potential reward.
Houston Cougars Betting Trends
Houston’s betting trends present a mixed bag of results, wherein they have not performed convincingly when favored lately. Winning only one of five as a favorite raises concerns about their ability to meet expectations. However, they have demonstrated resilience in August, with a solid 4-1 record in their last five games, affirming their capability to perform early in the season.
Despite recent struggles against the spread, Houston’s success against non-FBS teams enhances their confidence, especially as they welcome the Texans on their home turf. Monitoring their performance will be critical as they aim to fulfill expectations throughout the season.
UNLV Rebels vs. Houston Cougars 8/31/2024 Betting Picks
As we approach this exciting matchup, the consensus leans heavily towards the Houston Cougars to not only secure the victory but to cover the substantial spread. Given their history and the established track record, betting on Houston to dominate seems logical, considering both teams’ statistical backgrounds.
However, for those looking to diversify their betting options, prop bets focusing on Smith’s passing yards and Jenkins’ rushing attempts could yield fruitful returns based on their expected usage rates. Additionally, the total at 54.4 may present opportunities again, particularly if Houston seeks to establish an early lead, leading to an OVER scenario due to their explosive offensive potential. Best multi-handicapper picks often favor this approach, as analyzing alternative betting strategies can yield additional value.