The Scarlet Standard

UNLV just did something it hadn't done since 2008.

The Rebels went into Albuquerque, fell behind 14-0 against No. 23 New Mexico, and looked headed for another frustrating loss. Instead, Jackson Arnold led a fourth-quarter comeback to give UNLV a 21-17 victory and its first win over a ranked opponent in 18 years.

On this episode of Rebel Daily Drive, Mike Cooper breaks down what changed, why Arnold changed his mind about the quarterback situation, and how Dan Mullen's coaching staff finally delivered when the game was on the line.

We get into Arnold's two turnovers, the offensive line's struggles, Kayden McGee and Vincent Carner stepping up, and a UNLV defense that allowed 203 rushing yards but held New Mexico to just 19 total yards in the fourth quarter.

I also revisit my argument for starting Alex Orji, explain why Arnold should remain the starter, and give Paul Guenther and the defensive staff credit without pretending their earlier problems have disappeared.

Then there's the Mountain West championship race. UNLV is still alive, but winning the final two games against San Jose State and Reno won't necessarily be enough. We break down the tiebreakers and the help the Rebels still need.

Two questions for Rebels fans:

Was this the turning point for Dan Mullen's team, or will we be having the same conversation next week?

And if UNLV wins out, do you think the Rebels reach the Mountain West Championship?

Drop your answers below.

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UNLV is 3-0 for the first time since the 2022-23 season, but Friday night's 76-68 victory over Stanford raised nearly as many questions as it answered.

The Rebels built an 18-point first-half lead behind Cam Miles' perimeter shooting, Tyrin Jones' two-way impact and some of the best offensive ball movement we've seen under Josh Pastner. Then everything changed. Turnovers, defensive breakdowns and Stanford's dominance on the offensive glass allowed the Cardinal to erase the deficit and tie the game midway through the second half.

On this episode of Rebel Daily Drive, Mike Cooper of The Scarlet Standard breaks down UNLV's victory, the mistakes that nearly cost the Rebels the game and what their response says about the direction of Pastner's program.

Sebastian Mack finished with 15 points, five assists and just one turnover, delivering perhaps his most complete performance in a UNLV uniform. Cam Miles continued to establish himself as a reliable perimeter threat, while freshman Jackson Kiss showed why his defensive versatility has become so important to the Rebels' rotation. Issac Williamson also delivered one of the biggest shots of the night, knocking down a late three-pointer to help UNLV put Stanford away.

We examine Pastner's postgame frustration, the effectiveness of his "Viva La Press" defensive system, Tyrin Jones' development, Jeremy Foumena's matchup problems and the difficult rotation decisions awaiting the coaching staff as injured players return.

Beyond the Stanford victory, we discuss whether UNLV finally has the personnel to end its NCAA Tournament drought, why attendance at the Thomas & Mack Center remains a concern, and what the Rebels need to prove against Kansas at the Players Era Festival.

Chapters:

00:00 – UNLV beats Stanford, but questions remain
02:52 – What should Rebel fans take from the win?
03:15 – Josh Pastner's sideline energy
05:52 – UNLV's improved ball movement and turnover problems
06:59 – Why UNLV basketball needs more fan support
10:07 – Expectations for Kansas and the Players Era Festival
11:05 – How UNLV built an 18-point lead
12:45 – Stanford's first-half comeback and Pastner's frustration
15:46 – How the Rebels responded after losing the lead
18:17 – Issac Williamson delivers a critical three
20:20 – Sebastian Mack's growth as a playmaker
23:42 – Cam Miles and the Rebels' perimeter offense
26:23 – Williamson's role and backcourt depth
28:40 – Jackson Kiss: Defensive impact and freshman mistakes
31:19 – Tyrin Jones, Jeremy Foumena and the frontcourt
33:15 – Pastner's rotation decisions
34:07 – Can UNLV sustain its full-court pressure?
34:58 – What must improve before Kansas?

Join the conversation:

1. Does this Stanford victory give you confidence that UNLV can reach the NCAA Tournament?
2. Is Sebastian Mack becoming the complete guard Josh Pastner needs, or does this offense still rely too heavily on individual scoring?
3. Has Jackson Kiss earned a permanent role in the Rebels' rotation?
4. What's more concerning heading into Kansas: UNLV's turnovers or its defensive rebounding?
5. Is it time for Rebel fans to return to the Thomas & Mack Center?

Leave your thoughts in the comments. We want to hear from Rebel fans.

The Scarlet Standard provides independent coverage, reporting, analysis and commentary on UNLV athletics and the Mountain West Conference.

Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/
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UNLV men's basketball is 2-0 after defeating Northern Arizona 89-77 and Samford 88-79 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Runnin' Rebels have shown flashes of what Josh Pastner wants his team to become, but two wins haven't answered every question about the offense, defense and rotation.

In this Rebel Daily Drive, Mike Cooper and Darrell Lutey break down UNLV's first two regular-season games, the effectiveness of Pastner's full-court press, the defensive breakdowns against Samford and the offensive problems that could become more costly as the competition improves.

We examine Sebastian Mack's turnovers and foul trouble, Cam Miles' shot selection, Tyrin Jones' struggles finishing around the basket, and why Jackson Kiss played such an important role in the Samford victory.

The conversation also covers the return of Isaac Williamson, the developing backcourt rotation, Jeremy Foumena's limited minutes, AJ Storr's eligibility situation and how Tyler Harris and Terrance Ford Jr. could change the rotation.

Beyond the two wins, we discuss whether UNLV is relying too heavily on isolation basketball, how the Rebels can improve their ball movement, and whether Pastner needs to adjust his pressing system depending on the opponent.

With Stanford coming to Las Vegas on Friday, November 13, the Rebels have an opportunity to prove their early success can translate against stronger competition.

We also discuss the importance of fan support and what it will take to bring bigger crowds back to the Thomas & Mack Center.

Chapters:

00:00 – UNLV starts 2-0, but questions remain
01:42 – Is Josh Pastner's full-court press working?
04:13 – Samford's offense and UNLV's defensive problems
06:34 – Comparing UNLV and New Mexico against NAU
09:17 – Isolation basketball and offensive ball movement
14:09 – Backcourt depth, injuries and AJ Storr
18:24 – Rotation decisions and matchup problems
24:32 – Jackson Kiss makes an impact
26:11 – Sebastian Mack's turnovers and foul trouble
28:26 – Tyrin Jones' struggles finishing inside
34:00 – How additional shooters could help the offense
40:50 – Why UNLV basketball needs more fan support
46:09 – What must improve before Stanford
51:24 – Communication problems in the full-court press
53:00 – Early look at Stanford

Subscribe to The Scarlet Standard for UNLV basketball coverage, postgame reactions, press conferences and Mountain West analysis.

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Has UNLV football regressed under Dan Mullen? After Wyoming defeated the Rebels 41-35 at Allegiant Stadium, the questions surrounding Mullen's second season have become harder to ignore.

On this episode of Rebel Daily Drive, Michael Cooper of The Scarlet Standard breaks down UNLV's disappointing loss to Wyoming, the recurring defensive failures under Paul Guenther, Corey Dennis' offensive play-calling, and whether Mullen is allowing the program Barry Odom rebuilt to slip backward.

Mullen admitted after the game that UNLV didn't compete hard enough in the first half. The Scarlet Standard asked him directly whether three consecutive slow starts should lead to changes at offensive and defensive coordinator. Mullen said he evaluates everything.

But when does evaluating turn into making changes?

We examine Wyoming's offensive success, the Rebels allowing 1,021 rushing yards over their last three games, and the decisions that cost UNLV an opportunity to complete its comeback.

We also discuss Alex Orji replacing Jackson Arnold, whether UNLV now has a quarterback competition heading into New Mexico, and why Jet Thomas continues to be underutilized in critical situations.

Beyond the Wyoming game, we take a deeper look at Mullen's two seasons in Las Vegas. Has UNLV become a softer football team? Have Power Four transfers lived up to expectations? Is 2026 becoming one of the most disappointing seasons in program history? And is Mullen committed to building something lasting at UNLV, or is a return to the Power Four still his ultimate goal?

Chapters:

00:00 – Mullen's postgame comments and accountability
05:50 – How Wyoming exposed UNLV
14:37 – Paul Guenther and the defensive coaching problems
18:00 – UNLV's first-half collapse
24:39 – Alex Orji replaces Jackson Arnold
27:55 – UNLV's comeback and the final offensive possession
33:01 – Should Mullen change defensive coordinators?
38:00 – 1,021 rushing yards allowed in three games
42:39 – Corey Dennis and UNLV's offensive regression
48:29 – Alex Orji vs. Jackson Arnold: Who should start?
51:29 – Has UNLV regressed under Dan Mullen?
1:01:00 – The effort and culture problems
1:02:00 – Is 2026 among UNLV's most disappointing seasons?
1:07:00 – Does Mullen see UNLV as a long-term destination?
1:14:43 – Mullen's Florida history and staff accountability
1:15:30 – The unanswered questions before New Mexico

Join the conversation:

1. Should Paul Guenther remain UNLV's defensive play-caller?
2. Would you start Alex Orji or Jackson Arnold against New Mexico?
3. Has Dan Mullen lowered the standard Barry Odom established?
4. Do you believe Mullen is committed to UNLV for the long term?
5. What changes must Mullen make before the season ends?

Leave your thoughts in the comments. We want to hear from Rebel fans.

The Scarlet Standard provides independent coverage, reporting, analysis and commentary on UNLV athletics and the Mountain West Conference.

Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SS_MediaLV
X, Facebook & Instagram: @SS_MediaLV

Subscribe for UNLV football coverage, game reactions, press conferences, basketball analysis and Mountain West updates.

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UNLV head coach Dan Mullen addresses the media following the Rebels' 41-35 loss to Wyoming on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Mullen discusses UNLV's disappointing first-half performance, the decision to change quarterbacks, the Rebels' second-half comeback, missed opportunities on the final offensive possession, and the defensive struggles that continue to hurt the team.

He also responds to questions about evaluating his coordinators, tackling problems, injuries and the adjustments UNLV must make moving forward.

Press Conference Chapters:
00:00 – Opening remarks and first-half performance
01:24 – Decision to change quarterbacks
02:13 – Offensive adjustments
03:09 – Time of possession and offensive tempo
03:55 – Questions about coordinator changes
04:54 – Tackling struggles and defensive injuries
06:06 – Final offensive possession
06:52 – Run defense concerns

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UNLV defeated Samford 88-79 this afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV had 5 players in double figures led by Cam Miles 20 points. UNLV kept Samford from shooting open 3's which was pivotal to the win. The Rebels also knocked down free throws, and did a great job on the glass.

Next up is Stanford on Friday, November 13th at 6pm in the Thomas & Mack Center.

Josh Pastner breaks down UNLV 88-79 win over Samford University. Cam Miles and Tyrin Jones also talk to the Press.

UNLV plays Samford Univeristy on Saturday, November 7th at 1pm in the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Scarlet Standard’s Darrell Lutey previews the matchup against the Bulldogs from the Southern Conference.

According to UNLV Coach Josh Pastner, the Bulldogs are a well coached team who spread the court, drive the basketball, and dish for open 3's. Defending the 3's are crucial.

Darrell also covers UNLV’s injury and eligibility updates. The two players injured include Tyler Harris and Isaac Williamson, and AJ Storr continues to be ineligible but coach Pastner shed some new information on Storr.

Reporting and analysis: Darrell Lutey | The Scarlet Standard

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UNLV battles Samford University on Saturday, November 7th at 1pm at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Pastner previews Samford which plays in the Southern Conference and is 1-0 after beating Barry University 87-58. Pastner says Samford is similar to NAU but better. All 5 players on the floor shoot the 3 well.

He also discusses our current injuries (Isaac Williamson and Tyler Harris) and discusses AJ Storr's Eligibility.

Sebastian Mack is also interviewed and discusses his role on the team, how he feels about pressing, and talk briefly about playing for Coach Pastner.


CHAPTERS
00:00 Josh Pastner: Samford Preview
12:36 Sebastian Mack


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Josh Pastner wants you to trust the plan. Dan Mullen wants you to trust the work. On Saturday, both get tested.

Welcome back to the Rebel Daily Drive. I'm Mike Cooper of The Scarlet Standard, and we're looking ahead to a full Saturday of UNLV sports.

UNLV Basketball vs. Samford | 1 p.m. PT

The Runnin' Rebels opened the season with an 89-77 victory over Northern Arizona, powered by Sebastian Mack's career-high 31 points. But that first half raised some familiar concerns.

Pastner has built this roster around speed, length, conditioning and full-court pressure. I like the direction, but what happens when an opponent breaks that press and forces UNLV to defend in the half court?

Samford brings exactly the kind of offense that can expose those problems. We break down its ball movement, backdoor cuts, perimeter shooting, Will Shaver's versatility and what UNLV needs from Cam Miles, Jeremy Foumena and its young bench.

UNLV Football vs. Wyoming | 7:30 p.m. PT

Dan Mullen keeps talking about preparation. Now it's time to see that preparation translate to Saturdays.

After surrendering 670 rushing yards against Air Force and Northern Illinois, UNLV faces Wyoming quarterback Tyler Hughes, who has rushed for 421 yards over his last three games.

We examine UNLV's tackling problems, defensive gap assignments, Paul Guenther's approach to containing Hughes and why Corey Dennis needs more answers offensively.

We also discuss Jackson Arnold, Jet Thomas, the Rebels' red-zone struggles, Mountain West championship implications, bowl projections and whether a three-loss conference champion UNLV team could enter the College Football Playoff conversation.

Plus: UNLV hockey improves to 12-0, Lady Rebels basketball returns home, and Desi-Rae Young receives her jersey retirement recognition.

Two games. Two coaches. Two very different challenges.

Which UNLV team gives you more confidence heading into Saturday? Let me know in the comments.

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