October 16, 2026 - 7:30 am

Las Vegas Review-Journal reporters and editors make their picks for the Rebels’ road game at Air Force on Saturday:

Ed Graney

UNLV beat writer/columnist (4-2)

Another tough one to call in a battle of Mountain West contenders. I don’t believe it will be as crazy as last year — a 51-48 UNLV victory in Las Vegas — but do see some points being scored here. Tough to pick against the Rebels on the road given their success away from Allegiant Stadium the past few years. The line of nearly a pick’em says it all.

UNLV 30, Air Force 28

Donovan Hicks

UNLV backup writer (4-2)

The Rebels, now atop the Mountain West standings, have allowed just 13 points to conference opponents. While it might be difficult to hold Air Force to that total, UNLV’s momentum, combined with the absence of Falcons starting quarterback Liam Szarka should be enough to push the Rebels over the top in Colorado Springs.

UNLV 28, Air Force 17

Adam Hill

Raiders beat writer/columnist (5-1)

The Rebels’ defense may be the best individual unit in the league at this point. That’s a huge change from UNLV programs of the past. Air Force is very difficult to defend, but Paul Guenther’s group should be up to the task. The biggest thing scaring me off the pick is the terrifying unanimity of my colleagues.

UNLV 23, Air Force 20

Sam Gordon

Raiders beat writer/columnist (2-4)

Whatever outcome I pick is usually the opposite of what happens, but for the sake of the exercise: the Rebels tame the Falcons and the thin Colorado air in the process.

UNLV 24, Air Force 20

Alex Wright

High school beat reporter (3-3)

Anything can happen at Air Force. The combination of high altitude in Colorado Springs and the Falcons’ triple-option offense are two challenging variables UNLV will not see in any other opponent. But the Rebels should be able to hang their hat on a strong defensive performance against North Dakota State last week and squeak out another close win over the Falcons.

UNLV 28, Air Force 24

Bill Bradley

Sports Editor (2-4)

The UNLV Rebels are going to need every ounce of the defense that held North Dakota State to seven points. That’s because Air Force just ran for 439 yards against Northern Illinois last Saturday. The solace is all that yardage only equaled 28 points for Air Force, which in turn will have a tough time stopping UNLV’s passing game. We’ll take the Rebels’ air force in this one.

UNLV 31, Air Force 21

Richard Bush

Assistant Sports Editor (3-3)

A lot is said about Air Force’s triple-option offense and the high altitude of the Falcons’ stadium. And these are factors not to be overlooked for sure. But UNLV has some momentum now winning a huge game last week, and the Rebels’ offense seems to finally be getting things dialed in. So UNLV can win this road game with just enough defense to get the job done.

UNLV 27, Air Force 24