UNLV faces Kansas in bowl game rematch on Friday night
- UNLV is 2-0 and Kansas is 1-1 heading into their rematch on Friday night.
- Kansas lost to Illinois, putting pressure on them to avoid another nonconference defeat.
- The game is crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their standings this season.
UNLV, with a record of 2-0, is set to face Kansas, who is 1-1, in a rematch of last season's Guaranteed Rate Bowl, which Kansas won 49-36. The game will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Children's Mercy Park, the home of Sporting Kansas City, as the Jayhawks continue to rebuild their on-campus stadium. Kansas is looking to bounce back after a loss to Illinois, which has put them in a precarious position in the nonconference schedule. In their previous matchup, Kansas showcased a strong performance, but their recent game against Illinois highlighted some struggles, particularly for quarterback Jalon Daniels, who had four turnovers. On the other hand, UNLV is coming off a record-setting game against Utah Tech, where they amassed 695 total yards of offense, including 504 rushing yards, marking a significant achievement in their program's history. Key players to watch include UNLV's quarterback Matthew Sluka, who had a standout performance last week with three touchdown passes, and Kansas running back Devin Neal, who has been a bright spot for the Jayhawks, averaging 9.68 yards per carry this season. Neal's performance will be crucial for Kansas as they aim to regain momentum after their recent defeat. This rematch not only holds significance for both teams in terms of their current season standings but also serves as an opportunity for Kansas to assert dominance after their previous victory over UNLV. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons.