Memphis vs UNLV Prediction: Who Will Shine Under the Lights?
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Memphis vs UNLV is one of those games that might fall through the cracks in a normal week, but will own the college football world in Week 0.
It’s a huge moment for the schools, the Mountain West, and the American, with a national audience on FOX as the only game going at the end of what should be an interesting wall-to-wall Saturday to open the season.
Memphis vs UNLV: Quick Hits
- It’s the first time these two schools have played, and it’s the furthest west Memphis has traveled for a game since opening the 1991 season at USC.
- It’s the start of the Charles Huff era at Memphis after spending last year at Southern Miss and the previous season at Marshall. Beat UNLV, and the Tigers suddenly become instant players in the American.
- UNLV is still in the Mountain West – after so many teams left for the Pac-12 – and it can establish itself as a key factor in the race for the Group of Six’s College Football Playoff spot.
How To Watch Memphis vs UNLV
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
TV: FOX
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
– CFN Week 0 Schedule, Predictions
Why Memphis Will Win
How do you possibly scout a team with so many transfers taking over? The Memphis starting 11 on defense should be all transfers, and most of the offensive side is new, too, with a potentially great running game led by Ohio State transfer Dallas Hayden.
It’s the defense, though, that should be ready to shine right away with a loaded bunch on the line – Huff brought over some excellent players from USM – that should be nasty right away against a UNLV team that lives for the ground game.
– Memphis 2026 Preview
Why UNLV Will Win
The Rebels will be more than happy to make this a shootout.
Dan Mullen brought in quarterback Jackson Arnold from Auburn, the running back rotation around Jai’Den Thomas is loaded, and as long as the Rebels don’t have to start throwing to win, they should be okay.
The defense just has to be okay. It’s not going to be dominant, but after owning third downs last year, a few stops will be enough.
– UNLV 2026 Preview
Memphis vs UNLV Prediction, Betting Lines
It’s Vegas. Get ready for these two to put on a show.
The defenses will control things early, but just when most of the East Coast starts to go to bed, that’s when the lights will come on as both offenses will find their groove in a back-and-forth second half that should come down to who blinks first.
Again, it’s Vegas – the house always wins. (UNLV will come through late in a blast of a game.)
UNLV 31, Memphis 26
Latest Consensus Line: UNLV -4.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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