2021 Week 3: Red Raider Preview

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Match-up: UNLV (0-2) at Texas Tech (0-2)

 

 

In a battle of no win teams, the Rebels of UNLV and coach @ChizDippler will make the eastward trek from Sin City to West Texas and the town of Lubbock. The Rebels stand at 0-2 after losses to North Texas and Arizona State. The Red Raiders are coming off back-to-back losses to Wisconsin and Michigan State by a combined 7 points. Those results should give Tech fans a reason to be optimistic, but after last week's offensive performance against the Spartans, there’s not much optimism to be found amongst the Red Raider faithful.

 

Despite their 0-2 record, UNLV has a stud in the backfield and he goes by the name of Robert Thomas. Through two games, Thomas has carried the ball 72 times for 537 yards and three scores. His effort alone has been worth the price of admission.

 

This game will likely be dominated by the running backs and line. Whoever is more effective and can limit turnovers is likely to come away with their first win of the season.

 

What to watch for (TTU): Can the Red Raiders stop Robert Thomas? Despite the loss, the Red Raider defense was effective last week against the Spartans holding them to only 13 points. MSU was led by their running game and this week will be much of the same. That said, Thomas appears to be on a whole different level averaging 268.5 yards per game through two games. It’s likely that Thomas will get his yards, but Tech will need to limit the damage and try to keep him out of the endzone. If they can keep Thomas below 200 yards rushing, they'll certainly like their chances.

 

What to watch for (UNLV): Can the Rebels get after Texas Tech QB Robert Chavis? The Red Raider offense has left much to be desired for Texas Tech fans. Their 9 point effort last week left a lot of people perplexed and wondering what exactly to expect from this offense. The weakest link thus far has been Senior QB, Robert Chavis. It’s not that Chavis has been exceptionally bad, he just hasn’t been very good. And that puts a lot of pressure on Fernando Gonzalez and the run game. UNLV will want to get after Chavis and pressure him early and often. If they can get in his face, he is likely to make some mistakes and potentially turn the ball over.

 

What will happen: Boy, this is a tough one to figure out. Neither team has looked all that good through two games. However, we’re going to lean towards UNLV and their explosive run game. Thomas already has one 300 yard game this season. If he can continue to perform at a high level, UNLV likely comes away with their first victory of the season.

 

Prediction: UNLV 21 TTU 17