Air Force just pulled off a wild win at NIU without completing a single pass. Yeah, you read that right. Zero completions. Now they’re back at Falcon Stadium to host UNLV in a massive Mountain West clash, and you know Dan Mullen’s crew has to be scratching their heads wondering how in the world to stop a team that doesn’t even *need* to throw the ball.
UNLV’s Conference Title Dreams Are On The Line
This isn’t just another game for UNLV, believe me. After a sluggish start to the season, these Rebels have really found their stride, looking every bit like one of the top Group of 6 teams out there. They’re fresh off a big home win against North Dakota State, and the dream of a conference title, maybe even a Playoff berth, is still very much alive for Mullen’s guys.
But to get there, they’ve got to run the tables, and this trip to Colorado Springs is a serious test. They passed a stiff one in Week 6, holding NDSU’s offense to just seven points last week. That defense will need to be absolutely dialed in against a Falcons team that plays unlike anyone else.
Air Force’s Ground Assault: Can UNLV Adapt?
The Falcons are rolling, no doubt about it. That comfortable win at NIU was their first game with Kemper Hodges taking over at quarterback, and the fact that they won without a single completed pass tells you everything you need to know about their identity. The running game is always the focus for Air Force, it’s what they do, and clearly, they do it well.
But here’s the kicker: against UNLV’s stout defense, which just bottled up NDSU, Air Force might actually need to find some passing success to really take down the Rebels. Will Hodges throw his first completed pass of his starting career? Or will they just keep pounding the rock? Air Force is favored by just 1.5 points at home, so this one’s going to be tight.
Beyond Colorado: American Conference Showdown Kicks Off Saturday
While the Mountain West battle is definitely grabbing the headlines, Saturday’s CBS Sports Network slate kicks off with another key game in the American Conference. FAU, sitting pretty at 4-1 with their only loss coming against Florida to open the year, is bringing plenty of confidence to Blaik Field at Michie Stadium as they face Army.
FAU already pulled off a 38-30 win over Navy earlier this season, showing they know how to handle option-style teams. Army, at 3-2 overall (and 2-1 in conference play), had a hard-fought win against Tulane last Saturday and will try to defend home field again. Army’s favored by 2.5 points, setting up another close one.
The action doesn’t stop there, either. Later, Nevada heads to the Fargodome to face North Dakota State at 7 p.m. ET. And for the late-night crowd, we get a Pac-12 nightcap from San Diego, where Fresno State is a road favorite against San Diego State at 10:30 p.m. ET.
So, whether you’re locked into the Mountain West title chase or watching the American Conference slug it out, Week 7 is absolutely loaded. Keep an eye on that UNLV at Air Force game, because a whole lot is riding on that one for Mullen’s squad. It’s going to be epic!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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