UNLV Rebels head coach Barry Odom calls out to players as they warm up before an NCAA football game against Vanderbilt at Allegiant Stadium Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023 | 12:27 p.m.
The UNLV football program is moving up the rankings almost as fast as its offense moves down the field.
In the latest USA Today Coaches Top 25 poll released on Sunday, the Scarlet and Gray received four votes — not enough to put them among the 25, but enough to say coaches around the country are beginning to take notice of what is happening in Las Vegas under Barry Odom.
UNLV is in the midst of a dramatic turnaround in Odom’s first year as head coach. The team won its fourth straight game on Saturday, demolishing UNR, 45-27, to improve to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in Mountain West play.
Under Odom’s direction, UNLV has excelled in all phases this season. The offense ranks No. 14 in in scoring at 37.5 points per game, while the opportunistic defensive has forced 14 turnovers, which is No. 6 nationally.
By virtue of the four votes received, UNLV is unofficially the No. 39 team in the nation.
The last time UNLV received votes was believed to be the 2003 season, when John Robinson led his squad to a 4-1 start that included a 23-5 road win at No. 14 Wisconsin.
After dispatching in-state rival UNR to maintain possession of the Fremont Cannon, Odom said he was happy with the way the first half of the season has unfolded.
“I’m thrilled for our program. To be 5-1, 2-0 in the conference, that’s right where UNLV should be," he said.
UNLV hosts Colorado State on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.
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