The UNLV Rebels are 6-0, and will travel to Boise in Week 8 to take on the Boise State Broncos (4-2). It’s the biggest match-up of the day in the Mountain West. UNLV will look to defeat the Broncos for the first time in Boise and make a statement that the guard is changing in the conference. Can UNLV pull off the upset and leave 7-0? Or will the Rackus crowd and the defending Mountain West champions be too much to overcome? Let’s dive into this 2025 preview of UNLV vs. Boise State to find out.
UNLV Rebels vs. Boise State Broncos: Matchup History
Over the last year, UNLV vs. Boise State has become the marquee showdown in the Mountain West. Their last meeting was a freezing December night on the blue turf, and Boise beat UNLV 21-7 to clinch the conference title.
UNLV has never won on the Smurf Turf and trails the all-time series 3-11. Before this program turned a corner, Boise used to run away with these games, usually by multiple scores. Now, it’s different.
Both teams are currently 2-0 in conference play. UNLV is a perfect 6-0 overall, while Boise’s only losses have come against ranked opponents. They opened the year getting upset by USF, and two weeks ago, they went to South Bend and lost to Notre Dame. Outside of that, the Broncos have handled business in the Mountain West. Dominating New Mexico and taking down Air Force.
With Dan Mullen making it clear this week that he’s not going anywhere, this matchup feels like a real chance for UNLV to finally sit at Boise State’s level instead of chasing it.
UNLV vs. Boise State 2025 Preview: Keys and Predictions
Key Players for UNLV
Aamaris Brown was named a mid-season All-American this week. He’s not just the heartbeat of the defense, he’s one of the engines of this entire 2025 UNLV team. He’s tied for third in the nation in interceptions, and two of those have gone back for touchdowns.
And it’s not just the takeaways, he’s been a missile on blitzes, racking up two sacks and three tackles for loss this season. Beyond the stat line, Brown is a vocal leader, and having him on the field Saturday makes him one of the most important players for UNLV.
Another key player in this massive game for the Rebels has to be Jai’Den Thomas. In the shootout win over Air Force, UNLV turned to him on a drive that should have put the game away.
He only had 11 touches, but he still turned them into 88 yards and a touchdown. Thomas is one of the premier backs in the Mountain West, and the best way to quiet that crowd is to feed him 15-plus carries.
Key Players for Boise State
Dylan Riley is the featured back for the Broncos, and while Boise State has done a good job going with touches by committee, he’s still the lead horse. He’s racked up 494 yards and five touchdowns so far this season.
Sire Gaines is the other back in the backfield for the Broncos. Gaines is an exciting redshirt freshman; he has three touchdowns and 362 yards this season.
You can not forget about the signal caller for the Broncos either, Maddux Madsen. Madsen can beat you with his legs and his arm, he has put together a season so far of 11570 yards passing with 11 touchdowns, along with five interceptions. His escapabilty in the pocket and ability to make throws on the run helps Boise State sustain drives.
With how Boise State runs the rock, the two backs of Riley and Gaines will be key players for Boise State. The Broncos are third in rushing in the Mountain West, behind UNLV and with the big offensive front that the Broncos have this game will truly be won inside the trenches.
2025 Game Preview: How UNLV Wins vs. Boise State in Week 7
Time of possession is going to be the key for UNLV on Saturday. The Rebels are walking into the most hostile environment that they have all season long. This will mark the 12th consecutive sell-out game for Boise State, and with a lot on the line in the Mountain West, they will be at full throttle.
The keys for UNLV to win this match-up are to keep possession of the ball, sustain long drives, and create turnovers defensively. The shootouts that UNLV constantly finds itself in will ultimately not lead to winning the big matchups. They’re going to need stops and to take the crowd out of this game.
UNLV comes into this one as a 10-point underdog, trying to get to 7-0 and stack more votes toward the Top 25. A win here would be the biggest of the season for the Rebels. For Boise State, a victory would be a statement to the rest of the Mountain West that the conference still runs through the blue turf.
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