Along with all of the more exciting Week 0 matchups across College Football, we have to have one stinker. This might be it, as Idaho State of the FCS travel to Sin City to face the UNLV Rebels and new head coach Dan Mullen. He hasn’t coached in four years, with his last reign being with the Florida Gators from 2018-2021, and prior to that at Mississippi State for nearly a decade. Now he is tasked with making the Rebels a CFP contender, and he’s got quite the tune up game to start. We’ve got picks in this matchup to make it more watchable for everyone involved.
Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks. Plus, you’ve still got some time to add more futures to your portfolio so be sure to check out our Power Four Conference Previews below.
Idaho State Bengals vs. UNLV Rebels NCAA Football Insights
Cody Hawkins does not have an impressive record at Idaho State
I’m not going to lie to you, I don’t know much about the Idaho State football team. Their basketball team was my little darling last CBB season, but on the gridiron I had to do some digging.
They went 5-7 last year and have not had a winning record since the 2018 season. Head Coach Cody Hawkins has an 8-15 record while being in charge of the Bengals the past two years, and against FBS opponents, he’s had a rough going.
Idaho State vs. FBS Opponents Under Cody Hawkins
- @ San Diego State: 36-28 Loss
- @ Utah State: 78-28 Loss
- @ Oregon State: 38-15 Loss
Sure, they competed against the Aztecs two seasons ago, but they were hardly able to move the ball against the Beavers. I’m not sure much will change against UNLV.
The Rebels are looking to build off of last season. They’ve had two straight winning years, going 11-3 last season and winning the LA Bowl. UNLV narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff, losing to Boise State in the Mountain West Championship. Now with a new head coach in Dan Mullen, and new starting QB in Alex Orji, the Rebels are ready to run on Saturday.
Matchup Information – Idaho State vs. UNLV – August 23
- Venue & Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
- Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Kick Off: 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Idaho State vs. UNLV Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of August 22, 2025 at 4:29 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Idaho State +27.5 (-105)
- UNLV -27.5 (-115)
Total
- Over 65.5 (-120)
- Under 65.5 (-110)
The UNLV offense was very dynamic last season, but they have a completely brand new look. Mullen brought in tons of transfers, with the only returning offensive starters being RT Austin Boyd and RB Jai’Den Thomas. Do I think we see this offense excel right away? Maybe not enough to blow this team out of the water.
However, they should put up several points and have no problem covering the spread, which I have added as I type this.
Idaho State vs. UNLV NCAA Football Picks and Predictions
Dan Mullen takes over as Head Coach of the UNLV Rebels
Idaho State vs. UNLV Prediction: UNLV Wins and Covers, Under 65.5
Best Bet: Under 65.5 (-110) BetOnline
The Rebels nearly cracked the top 20 last season in terms of scoring defense, giving up just 21.8 points per game. To be completely honest, I do not see the Bengals scoring much, if any. UNLV’s defense certainly has the capability to shut them out, and while that might not be the case, the Rebels might have to score 60 to push this over.
Are they capable of doing that? Sure. Do I think Dan Mullen runs up the score on an FCS team in his first game back? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it. UNLV won’t want to risk any cheap injuries, so if they build up a huge lead, I don’t know how much we will see the starters in the final quarter.
Yes, he’s going to keep the boosters happy and make sure he covers the 26.5, but in my eyes, this game ends up 52-10, if we even see that many points.
Look for the UNLV defense to show that even though the team has a shiny new head coach and quarterback, they can still be an opponent’s worst nightmare without the football. Give me UNLV to cover and stay under against the Bengals.
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