RJ reporters, editors make picks for UNLV’s football game vs. Northern Illinois

Las Vegas Review-Journal reporters and editors make their picks for the Rebels’ home game vs. Northern Illinois on Saturday:

Ed Graney

UNLV beat writer/columnist (4-3)

This should be a walk-over for the banged up Rebels, but silly is the team that looks ahead to games against Wyoming and New Mexico in consecutive weeks. UNLV had a bye to prepare for the winless Huskies and all that lies ahead.

UNLV 38, Northern Illinois 21

Donovan Hicks

UNLV backup writer (4-3)

As Dan Mullen put it, the Rebels “control their own destiny,” meaning a win-out scenario would secure UNLV a spot in the Mountain West championship game and the opportunity to host it. Against a Northern Illinois program that reaches Halloween winless, the Rebels should have a favorable matchup, especially coming off a bye week.

UNLV 38, Northern Illinois 24

Adam Hill

Raiders beat writer/columnist (5-2)

This is a get-right game for the Rebels. After having two weeks to chew on the disastrous road effort at Air Force, the Rebels get to come home and take out their frustrations against an inferior and overmatched opponent.

UNLV 41, Northern Illinois 20

Sam Gordon

Raiders beat writer/columnist (2-5)

UNLV rights the ship at home against Northern Illinois and hopefully I do too as a predictor.

UNLV 34, Northern Illinois 14

Alex Wright

High school beat writer (3-4)

Not only is this a must-win game for UNLV, but it’s a must-dominate game for the Rebels. As UNLV prepares for its final stretch, it will need to impose its will over lowly Northern Illinois to keep its chances at the Mountain West title alive.

UNLV 48, Northern Illinois 17

Bill Bradley

Sports Editor (2-5)

This is not just a chance for UNLV to get things right, it’s a chance for them to show their dominance against a winless team in Northern Illinois. Expect the Rebels to light up this after-dark affair with a few more touchdowns that normal.

UNLV 56, Northern Illinois 14

Richard Bush

Assistant Sports Editor (3-4)

You can tell that this UNLV season has not been all that easy to predict by looking at the records of this panel. This week, however, the Rebels are clear favorites and will roll over Northern Illinois, keeping the conference title game as a clear goal.

UNLV 34, Northern Illinois 17