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Idaho State vs UNLV Odds, Prediction & Start Time – College Football Week 0

Chris Wassel

By Chris Wassel in College Football

Published:


UNLV embarks on a new season after winning the LA Bowl to cap off last season. Can they find more success? SBD takes a look as they open up against Idaho State.
Dec 18, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; RUNLV Rebels linebacker Jackson Woodard (7) holds his defensive player of the game trophy as wide receiver Jacob De Jesus (21) was named offensive player of the game after defeating the California Golden Bears in the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
  • Idaho State takes on UNLV in Week 0 action!
  • The updated Idaho State vs UNLV odds favor the Rebels by 26.5 points
  • Read below for my Idaho State vs UNLV prediction, odds, and more.

On Saturday, August 23, 2025, college football fans have several games to choose from and wager on. One involves a very intriguing UNLV team. The Rebels entertain Idaho State from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This game brings forth a few questions. For one, what will UNLV look like this year? With Barry Odom leaving for the Big 10 and Purdue, Dan Mullen takes over the reins for UNLV. Mullen last coached for Florida in 2021.

The UNLV Rebels expect to win big with the over/under set at 65.5 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The game will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network and Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network. Kickoff will be scheduled promptly for 4:00 p.m. ET.

Idaho State vs UNLV Prediction

Now, the problem with UNLV is that the coaching staff has still not quite figured out the quarterback situation. Fortunately for the Rebels, they are playing an Idaho State Bengals team that finished 3-5 in the Big Sky. They are currently being picked to only finish fourth in the conference. Meanwhile, UNLV is again projected for bigger things in the Mountain West Conference.

Alex Orji and Anthony Colandrea expect to see time under center this Saturday. It will be interesting to see what happens. Short of a total disaster, the Rebels will still score their fair share of points. Many are expecting 40+ points on Saturday afternoon. The last three clashes have seen the Rebels score at least 52 points in each meeting.

As previously mentioned, opportunity is ripe for UNLV here. This game feels almost like a tune-up which has some concerned with the very large spread. No style points are needed as the Rebels just want to get their offense straightened out before the Mountain West schedule kicks into gear.

Boise State remains the ultimate obstacle for UNLV, as they have +175 odds to make the College Football Playoff. Do not sleep on UNLV just yet, especially if they figure out the quarterbacks fast enough. Their defense can put up quite a fight this season in conference.

UNLV Has An Opportunity

Now, UNLV has a golden opportunity to get everything settled and on a good run. They may not be heavily tested until the Rebels play against Boise State on October 18th. Some argue it will be that September matchup against Miami (OH), but UNLV’s offense is dynamic enough to handle the RedHawks.

Idaho State has won just two meetings outright against UNLV, and the Rebels have put up some crooked numbers.

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The only real concern is the Rebels’ offense. Can they pile up enough points to cover the spread?

I’m risking this, but I’m going for the UNLV cover and win. It likely will not be by much, but UNLV ATS is my best bet.

Idaho State-UNLV Pick:

  • UNLV -26.5 (-110)

Idaho State vs UNLV Spread

College football Week 0 spreads are here for Idaho State vs UNLV, and this game starts at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Idaho State vs UNLV Odds

UNLV is favored by 26.5 points with -5000 moneyline odds, implying a 98.04% win probability for the Rebels. Idaho State are now +1800 underdogs, representing a 5.26% chance to win, per the oddsmakers.

The total is set at 65.5 points, with slight juice on the Under at -108. UNLV is a -150 favorite to score a touchdown on their first drive.

TeamSpreadMoneylineTotal
Idaho State+26.5 (-110)+1800Over 65.5 (-112)
UNLV-26.5 (-110)-5000Under 65.5 (-108)

Odds as of August 22, 2025, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Browse the best College Football betting apps for Idaho State-UNLV.

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Line movement in this game spanned from the 24.5 to 27.5-point range. The spread money is expected to continue trending toward Idaho State as Saturday’s game approaches.

Idaho State vs UNLV Head to Head

The programs have met three times since 2006, with the results going as follows:

  • Aug 27, 2022: UNLV 52, Idaho State 21
  • Sep 26, 2015: UNLV 80, Idaho State 8
  • Sep 2, 2006: UNLV 54, Idaho State 10

The last meeting was almost exactly three seasons ago. None of these players played in the 2022 matchup.

UNLV projects to score plenty of points here. The Bengals love to give up plenty of points, and the Rebels will be eager to oblige in front of the hometown fans on Saturday.

Chris Wassel
Chris Wassel

Sports Writer

A journalist veteran for over two decades, Chris has taught the gamut of fantasy hockey sports online from injuries to news to prospects, and more. He has bet on several sports and written sports betting articles about the NBA, MLB, NCAA football, the NFL, and NHL for USA Today.

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