Every team faces challenges over the course of a long season, but No. 25 UNLV absorbed a major dose of adversity last week. The Rebels passed their first test following the departure of starting quarterback Matthew Sluka and will look to ace another challenge Friday when Syracuse visits Las Vegas for an intriguing nonconference matchup.
UNLV (4-0) is ranked for the first time in program history, but it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for the Rebels. They won their first three games behind Sluka, who racked up six passing touchdowns while running for a team-high 253 yards. However, Sluka left the team last Tuesday after a disagreement over unfulfilled NIL promises.
The sudden departure left UNLV coach Barry Odom scrambling to get Hajj-Malik Williams ready to start against Fresno State, although that contest turned into a one-sided affair with the Rebels prevailing 59-14. Williams, a transfer from Campbell, threw three touchdowns and ran for a score. He finished 13-of-16 for 182 yards and added 12 carries for 119 yards.
"It's tough any time you're playing against someone like Hajj who can run and throw," Syracuse coach Fran Brown said. "It's a nightmare for the defensive coordinator and the head coach. You think about it all week.
" Odom, meanwhile, does not want his team to be satisfied with sitting at the end of the rankings. After Friday's contest, the Rebels play three of their next four games on the road with the only home date being a matchup against No. 21 Boise State.
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