Quarterback Matthew Sluka leaving the UNLV program because of a money dispute was the No. 1 college football story of the week. It's caused a drop in the betting line.

But I still believe UNLV is the right side. Barry Odom is a tremendous coach, maybe the best in Rebels football history. He's kept the Rebels together. I see the team rallying around their new QB, Hajj-Malik Williams. The Rebels have had good practices this week.

Williams is the career passing leader in yardage and touchdowns at Campbell, an FCS school. Sluka was a gutty runner, who sparked the Rebels to an upset road victory against Kansas. But Williams is the better passer. The Rebels rank 127th in passing.

Fresno State is a worthy opponent. Note, though, winless New Mexico put up 485 yards of offense against the Bulldogs last week. The Rebels have the situational edge being home and off a bye.

UNLV's defense ranks 23rd in scoring defense, 31st in run defense and 35th in total defense.