NCAAF

UNLV QB Matthew Sluka to redshirt

I’m going to steer clear of the semantics — NIL related — surrounding this decision, but I did not expect to see this news overnight yesterday. UNLV, a contender for a playoff spot, will now be without its starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

If you’re the Rebels, how do you proceed or even process this decision? Sluka has been effective as a dual threat this season, recording 318 yards through the air and another 253 on the ground, leading to 74.5 QBR. Thus, replacing him will be no walk in the park — especially on short notice. I’m guessing Cameron Friel will succeed Sluka as the program’s starting signal-caller, but he has nine career touchdown passes to 12 interceptions. This is bad.

In light of this news, I expect the undefeated Rebels to lose four games this season: versus Syracuse, at Oregon State, versus Boise State and at San Jose State. I feel for Barry Odom and his program.