UNLV had been playing well above its head all season - until this past week when it lost at home as a short favorite to San Jose State. The Rebels made huge strides in Barry Odom's first season as their head coach. 

But now the Rebels' lack of experience in big games shows up. This is the first time UNLV is participating in the Mountain West Conference championship game. Boise State, on the other hand, is making its sixth appearance in the last seven years in the Mountain West title game. 

The Broncos have had some close, tough losses. Now, though, they are in a good place under popular interim coach Spencer Danielson going 2-0 since firing Andy Avalos. 

Boise State can ride two of the best running backs in the conference, Ashton Jeanty and George Holani. UNLV doesn't have the defense to stop them ranking 85th in total defense and 69th in run defense.

The Rebels don't play their home games on campus. So even though this game is in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on the Strip - where the Raiders play - there is not much of a home field edge. Boise State travels well, too.