UNLV vs Eastern Washington 9/2/21 College Football Picks, Odds, Predictions

The UNLV Rebels face the Eastern Washington Eagles Thursday in week 1 2021 college football action at Allegiant Stadium. Eastern Washington is coming off a 5-2 season and was 2-1 on the road. UNLV has nowhere to go but up after finishing last season with a 0-6 record.

The Eastern Washington Eagles averaged 37.7 points and 524.9 yards per game last season. Eastern Washington allowed an average of 26.8 points and 383 yards per game last season. Eric Barriere returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns. Tamarick Pierce is back at running back after 462 yards and five touchdowns, while Talolo Limu-Jones and Freddie Roberson is a receiving duo that combined for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, Anthany Smith returns after leading Eastern Washington with 44 tackles, Joshua Jerome had three sacks and Mitchell Johnson had two interceptions. Eastern Washington has to like its chances for a successful season, especially with the returning production on offense and a proven quarterback. Eastern Washington has consistently been one of the better teams in the FCS over the last decade. 

The UNLV Rebels averaged 17.3 points and 330.5 yards per game last season. UNLV allowed an average of 38 points and 482.2 yards per game last season. Justin Rogers or Doug Brumfield will takeover at quarterback, replacing last years starter in Max Gilliam. Charles Williams returns at running back after nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns while Kyle Williams and Tyleek Collins is a wide receiver duo that combined for 500 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Bryce Jackson returns after leading UNLV with 42 tackles, Jacoby Windmon had five sacks and Nohl Williams had one interception. UNLV was at the bottom in both offensive and defensive production last season. Maybe getting so much production back will help the Rebels, a school that hasn’t had a winning season since 2013. 

UNLV should be favored, but this is just the third time since October of 2018 the Rebels are favored by at least a touchdown. The Eastern Washington Eagles have been one of the better FCS programs over the years and returns a good portion of last years squad. Eric Barriere is not only one of the best FCS quarterbacks in the country, he’s one of the better quarterbacks you’ve probably never heard of. This is a dangerous opening game for UNLV. Give me the points.