The UNLV Rebels aren’t viewing their upcoming trip to Hawaii as a vacation. Instead, it’s a business trip.
UNLV plays the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Clarence T.C. Ching Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii. The kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. Hawaii time. It will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
“The only thing different is that it’s a little bit of a longer flight,” UNLV coach Barry Odom said. “If we want to make it a bigger deal than that, we’re the fool.”
The numbers, however, cannot be ignored. the Rebels are 3-13 on the islands all-time, which includes a three-game losing streak in Honolulu.
Final preparation ????
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Odom, who has never been to Hawaii, has stressed the importance of winning games in November. He’s made it a major point of emphasis for his program.
“We have 27 days to write our page in history,” Odom said. “It’s up to us. We’re in control of what happens over the course of this month. Hopefully, we’ll continue to play good football, winning the ball. If we do that, then we’ll let the chips fall and see what plays out the first week of December.”
It won’t be easy as the Rainbow Warriors are playing some of their best football.
Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager is a dynamic playmaker who can run and pass. He’s thrown for 2,185 yards with 16 touchdowns. Schager also rushed for 226 yards with six touchdowns.
“He’s playing so well. He’s extending plays. They’re doing some quarterback run game,” Odom said. “He’s tough. Sees the field really well. We have to do a great job at getting him off the spot. That’s easier said than done because they’re protecting well. He’s making them go on offense.”
Defensively, Hawaii ranks at the top of the conference in a variety of categories.
“They’re definitely a gritty team. They have a lot of pride on that team. They’re physical. They like to hit and everything,” UNLV offensive lineman offensive lineman Jack Hasz said. “It’s also one of those things when the game progresses, where you keep scoring, it tends to die down. We’re expecting a tough game, a physical game in the trenches. Nothing we haven’t seen.”
A win would be a step in the right direction if the Rebels hope to get back into the Mountain West Conference Championship game picture. They still need help from around the league, but Odom said that 10-2 should be good enough to get them back into the conversation.
From there, he’s willing to let it roll.
“Everything that we want to try and accomplish is within our control. It starts with getting to the Mountain West Championship game,” Odom said. “I still believe that the champion of the Mountain West Conference will have a seat at the 12-team playoff. We’re in complete control of what that looks like.”
Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.
