Can the Bengals pull off a Week Zero stunner against heavy favorite UNLV?
Idaho State wasn’t supposed to be here, not like this. A Big Sky program that’s struggled to find its footing, the Bengals opened the season staring at a 24.5-point spread against Mountain West contender UNLV. Yet, under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium, the Bengals have flipped the script and have fans wondering if an upset is brewing.
The opening quarter told the story. Idaho State struck first with a field goal, then pulled off a stunning trick play. Quarterback Jordan Cooke flipped a lateral to receiver Michael Shulikov, who launched it across the field back to Cooke for a 10–0 lead. The Rebels were caught flat-footed, and Allegiant erupted with shock.
Meanwhile, UNLV has stumbled in Dan Mullen’s head coaching debut. A Michigan transfer at quarterback, Alex Orji, lost a fumble into the end zone on the first drive. The Rebels also missed a field goal, only to finally respond with Jai’Den Thomas racing 39 yards for a touchdown to cut it to 10–7. The game went to halftime, with the Bengals ahead 17-14.
For Idaho State, it’s about belief. A program that went just 8–15 over the last two seasons now has a chance to take down a Mountain West power. But holding off UNLV’s depth for four quarters will be the real test.
Still, in Week Zero, the Bengals have made it clear: they didn’t come to Vegas to play safe. They came to shock college football.
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