Following a 13-7 win over the North Dakota State Bison, the UNLV Rebels prepare to face the Air Force Falcons on the road for the first time since 2023.

Last season’s matchup between the two programs provided plenty of offensive fireworks, as the Rebels pulled out a 51-48 win at Allegiant Stadium despite allowing 603 yards of total offense, including 428 yards on the ground.

Much of Air Force’s success came from its triple-option offense, a unique scheme the Falcons have continued to use effectively in 2026.

Air Force has averaged 28.8 points per game and recorded 18 touchdowns through five games while averaging 400 yards of total offense per contest.

For Rebels coach Dan Mullen, the key to containing the Falcons on Saturday is maintaining discipline and limiting explosive plays, similar to how the Rebels performed against North Dakota State.

“If you play North Dakota State, you better fit your gaps,” Mullen said. “When you do that and fit your gaps constantly, you better match the one-on-one shots off of the play action down the field because they are going to create a great play action game for themselves.

“Guess what? Against Air Force, you better fit your gaps exactly. You’ve got to tackle really soundly because if you miss a tackle, nobody else is in that gap and they have an explosive play. I’d love to tell you it is a lot more than that, but it is really not.”

Air Force enters the matchup with a 4-1 record, 2-1 in the Mountain West. The Falcons’ only loss came at home against North Dakota State, falling 38-32.

Falcons starting quarterback Liam Szarka was off to a strong start before a season-ending lower-leg injury during Air Force’s 14-9 win over Navy.

Before the injury, Szarka ranked first in the Mountain West and 20th nationally with 391 rushing yards entering Week 5. He also had 296 passing yards and eight total touchdowns.

Sophomore quarterback Evan Medders took over under center in Week 6 against Northern Illinois after Szarka’s injury. Medders rushed for 114 yards on 16 carries as the Falcons earned a 28-7 road victory.

Third-string quarterback Kemper Hodges attempted one pass, which fell incomplete, as Air Force ran 68 offensive plays against the Huskies.

Despite the change at quarterback, Mullen emphasized that Medders possesses many of the same qualities as Szarka, allowing Air Force to maintain its offensive production.

“Their quarterback unfortunately for them is hurt and he is a special player, but the backup comes in and besides the jersey number they both look that way,” Mullen said. “They both have got that impact and toughness that can grow.

“It is kind of funny thinking they didn’t throw the ball last week, but the threat of their ability to throw the ball just makes you nervous. That is where the explosive plays are going to hit you. That is always on the back of your mind.”

Air Force has maintained a level of consistency under head coach Troy Calhoun, who is in his 20th season with the program after taking over in 2006.

Calhoun has spent his entire head coaching career with the Falcons, compiling a 143-98 record that includes an 8-5 mark in 13 bowl game appearances.

UNLV senior linebacker Kamuela Ka’aihue echoed Mullen’s emphasis on discipline ahead of the trip to Colorado Springs, saying the Rebels can compete with anyone if they stay disciplined and execute their assignments.

“We just have to be disciplined, and we just have to do our job,” Ka’aihue said. “If we stick to doing our jobs, it is going to turn out great for us.