Altitude, the option and first place in the conference are all at stake. UNLV (4-2, 2-0 Mountain West) visits Air Force (4-1, 2-1) at 3:30 on CBS Sports Network.
UNLV insider Vegas Monroe-Kalani treats every game like a Vegas show. She's thrilled with a defense ESPN ranks 34th and a 13-7 opening act against North Dakota State. Jackson Arnold has thrown one interception, and Jai'Den Thomas leads a physical run game. Air Force insider Lt. Col. (Ret.) Marissa Okonkwo-Hale gives everyone a call sign. Hers is calm and precise. Starting quarterback Liam Szarka is out for the season with a lower-leg injury, and sophomore Evan Medders has run the option since Navy.
The Falcons' option is the most interesting test for the UNLV defense all season. Mild weather and light winds at Falcon Stadium shouldn't get in the way. Air Force won 28-7 at Northern Illinois last week. UNLV's offense hasn't been a strength, ranking near the bottom of the country in ESPN's efficiency numbers, so every possession counts.
Our call: UNLV 23, Air Force 22.