The Rainbow Warriors football team is set to face off against UNLV in a crucial Mountain West showdown. The game will take place on Saturday, November 21, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT, and fans can watch the game live on FS1.
Pre-Game Overview
This match features two competitive teams, with the Rainbow Warriors holding a record of 7-3 and UNLV at 8-2. Both teams share a 4-2 conference record, placing them among the top contenders in the Mountain West standings, trailing behind San Diego State.
Game Details
- Date: November 21
- Time: 7:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. HT
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV (Capacity: 61,500)
- Television: FS1
- Radio: ESPN Honolulu (1420AM/92.7FM)
- Streaming: ESPNHonolulu.com & Sideline Hawaii app
Historic Rivalry
The matchup serves as the annual rivalry game for the Island Showdown Trophy, known as the Ninth Island Trophy, which UNLV currently holds. Their rivalry has spanned decades, dating back to 1969. In total, these teams have met 35 times, with the Rainbow Warriors leading the all-time series 19-15.
While UH has an advantage when playing in Honolulu (13-4), UNLV leads in Las Vegas with an 11-6 record. Recent history favors Las Vegas, as UNLV has won seven of the last eight meetings at home.
Recent Performance
The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a decisive 38-6 victory against San Diego State and have won four of their last five games. They have averaged 39 points per game over this stretch, marking their most consistent offensive output in recent seasons.
Kicker Kansei Matsuzawa has been exceptional, converting all 22 field goal attempts this season. He is on the brink of tying an FBS record for consecutive field goals started in a season, needing only three more with no misses.
Local Connections
The Warriors’ roster boasts seven players from Las Vegas, enhancing the local stakes of this rivalry. Notable names include:
- QB Micah Alejado
- RB Cam Barfield
- LB Giovanni Iovino
- DL Aiden McComber
- LB Jamih Otis
- DB Elijah Palmer
- RB Christian Vaughn
Coaching influences also connect the teams, with the Rainbow Warriors’ associate head coach Chris Brown previously associated with Bishop Gorman High School, where many current players developed their skills.
Conclusion
This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Rainbow Warriors seek to reclaim the Ninth Island Trophy. Both teams are eager to solidify their positions within the Mountain West Conference, making this game a must-watch for fans and spectators alike.
