October 9, 2026 - 7:00 am

Las Vegas Review-Journal reporters and editors make their picks for the Rebels’ home game vs. North Dakota State on Saturday:

Ed Graney

UNLV beat writer/columnist (4-1)

This is the toughest game to pick thus far in UNLV’s season. NDSU arrives a 3-point road favorite and undefeated after five games. The Bison features one of the nation’s top defenses. But UNLV has found its offense these past two games. Can we pick a tie? Guess not.

NDSU 23, UNLV 20

Donovan Hicks

UNLV backup writer (4-1)

The Bison enter their matchup against the Rebels undefeated and as the best team in the Mountain West. UNLV will need to be nearly perfect on both sides of the ball, and through five games it’s hard to say the program has earned that expectation.

NDSU 38, UNLV 27

Adam Hill

Raiders beat writer/columnist (4-1)

The Mountain West is just a couple breaks away from not only having the biggest spotlight in the sport with a “College Gameday” visit to Albququerque on Oct. 24, but also a potential berth in the CFP and the millions of dollars that comes with it. All that stands in the way is UNLV. The Mountain West can’t have nice things.

UNLV 31, NDSU 30

Sam Gordon

Raiders beat writer/columnist (2-3)

North Dakota State, a former FCS powerhouse with 10 national titles in the past 15 years, flexes its new Mountain West muscle at UNLV’s expense.

NDSU 30, UNLV 27

Alex Wright

High school beat reporter (3-2)

North Dakota State is right at home in the Mountain West as the Bison took the leap to FBS. The North Dakota State fans will also make Allegiant Stadium feel like home, with a sea of green and yellow that will be key for the Bison in a close game with UNLV. On Saturday, North Dakota State will give UNLV’s offensive line fits and be key in lifting the Bison to a win.

NDSU 33, UNLV 28

Bill Bradley

Sports Editor (2-3)

Let’s be clear: North Dakota State is not like any other school making the jump from FCS to FBS. They’ve won 10 national championships since 2011 with a steady pipeline of talent. It’s no wonder the Bison are 2-0 in the Mountain West and 5-0 overall. Their scoring defense is No. 1 and their scoring offense is ranks in the top 30. Oh, and they’re bringing half the state to Allegiant Stadium..

NDSU 44, UNLV 10

Richard Bush

Assistant Sports Editor (3-2)

Despite an undefeated North Dakota State bringing a large contingent of fans from across the state and the Bison’s stellar record in FCS before moving up, it feels like UNLV could have a chance in a pivotal game, especially at home. So I’m torn. But in the end, NDSU’s top-ranked defense will be too much for the Rebels’ offense.

NDSU 27, UNLV 24