The UNLV Rebels take on the Colorado State Rams in Fort Collins, Colorado. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. EST on Fox Sports 1.
UNLV is favored by -4.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -200. The total is set at 62.5 points.
Here’s my UNLV vs. Colorado State prediction and college football picks for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
UNLV vs Colorado State Prediction
- UNLV vs. Colorado State Pick: UNLV -4.5
My Colorado State vs. UNLV best bet is on the Rebels. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
UNLV vs Colorado State Odds
| UNLV Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 62 -110o / -110u | -205 |
| Colorado St Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 62 -110o / -110u | +170 |
- UNLV vs Colorado St point spread: UNLV -4.5 (-110), Colorado St +4.5 (-110)
- UNLV vs Colorado St over/under: 62 (-110o / -110u)
- UNLV vs Colorado St moneyline: UNLV -205, Colorado St +170
UNLV vs Colorado State Preview
UNLV Rebels Betting Preview
UNLV has one of the more dishonest records in the country.
While the Rebels are 6-2, they are coming off two straight conference losses to Boise State and New Mexico.
However, one thing they do? Score. UNLV has put up at least 30 in every game so far this season.
The Rebels rank 32nd nationally in Success Rate, 23rd in Finishing Drives, and are strong on early downs — rarely putting themselves behind schedule. They convert 3rd downs at a top-25 clip (22nd) and generally sustain scoring possessions.
That consistency makes them dangerous, especially against defenses that struggle to get stops.
But defensively, UNLV is far from a complete team, and that’s where the door opens for Colorado State to stay competitive.
The Rebels rank 119th nationally in Success Rate allowed and a concerning 120th in Explosiveness allowed, meaning they give up chunk plays far too often.
They are strong situationally — fifth in 3rd-down defense — but allowing constant gains on early downs puts them in too many possession-stretching drives. Opponents don't have to be efficient to move the ball; they need a few big plays and some steady rushing gains.
Colorado State’s offense isn’t elite, but it doesn’t need to be to find success against this defense. UNLV wins shootouts, but they rarely dictate them on defense.
Colorado State Rams Betting Preview
Colorado State’s overall record (2–6) creates the perception of a team with little ability to compete, but that’s not reflected in how its offense performs possession by possession.
However, I expect the Rams to be able to move the ball on the ground, where they have a definitive advantage. They rank 24th in Rush Success Rate, while UNLV ranks 120th in Rush Success Rate allowed.
Like UNLV, Colorado State’s weakness is on defense.
The Rams rank 95th in Success Rate allowed, 92nd in Explosiveness allowed, and a very poor 119th in 3rd-down defense. They struggle to get stops once a drive starts moving, and opponents spend a lot of time in manageable scoring positions. However, the matchup here is more forgiving than the raw defensive rankings suggest.
UNLV does not push tempo (91st in pace) and relies more on execution than pure athletic advantage. That reduces the total number of possessions and makes it more likely that Colorado State can keep this one close.
UNLV vs Colorado State Pick, Betting Analysis
While Colorado State may move the ball on the ground, I don't see them keeping up with the Rebels.
The Rams consistently get themselves in trouble with short drives. They play behind the sticks, ranking 118th in Standard Downs rate. While they will likely perform better against a soft offense, their defense will still be a major issue.
While I expect the Rams to put up points, they will not be able to stop the Rebels. UNLV excels at converting Red Zone drives into points (23rd in points per opportunity), and that should continue against a weaker Colorado State Defense.
Ole Miss may be nationally ranked, but they aren't the only Rebels making noise this season.
While they have folded against the good teams they've played, if UNLV can make it through this one, the Rebels have a good chance at winning out.
Pick: UNLV -4.5
