UNLV was rocked this week when quarterback Matthew Sluka announced he was quitting the team for not receiving NIL money that he was promised. The Rebels are looking to backup veteran transfer senior Hajj-Malik Williams to take his place. He was a prolific player at Campbell, becoming a record-setting passer and runner in the FCS.

All eyes will be on Williams — especially in light of the situation in which he was thrust into the starting role for the Rebels’ home game against Fresno State. Here are four other players to watch at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday in the Bulldogs’ second Mountain West Conference game.

Key Players to Watch for Fresno State

Offense: Junior wide receiver Raylen Sharpe, No. 11

The wide receiver corps deserve a lot of credit for bringing the “explosiveness” they want to create on the offense. Mac Dalena has shown he’s a deep ball threat; Jalen Moss proved he can get open on any route and is a great contributor on special teams. Against the New Mexico Lobos last Saturday, it was Sharpe’s time.

Related Story: Bulldogs Gear up for No. 23 Rebels, Who Suddenly Don’t Have Their Stud QB

The junior wide receiver used his hands for catching and throwing against the Lobos last Saturday accumulating 6 receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Kamron Beachem. He’s third on the team with 15 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown.

Offensive coordinator Pat McCann has praised his skill set. It’s those skills that put him on the preseason Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list. He can do it all. Could we see him carry the ball?

“Hopefully. I don’t know what will happen before each game. That’s up to McCann. When my number is called, I’ll be ready,” said Sharpe.

Defense: Senior linebacker Tuasivi Nomura, No. 8

Sivi has emerged as one of the top dogs on the defense. Last year’s USC transfer is proving that he can put the hit stick on those that come his way.

Related Story: Fresno State Capitalizes on New Mexico’s Turnovers, Penalties for First ...

Against the Lobos he had a career-high 16 tackles with 12 solo stops. His 16 tackles were the most in a game by a Bulldog since linebacker Jeff Allison in 2018. His 12 solo stops are the second-most in a game by any player in the FBS this year. It was his second week this season leading the team in tackles in a game. For his performance he was voted the Defensive Mountain West Conference Player of the Week.

The preseason Polynesian College Football Player of the Year watch list candidate is ranked No. 15 in the country in total tackles and No. 8 in solo tackles. The team captain leads the Bulldogs with 40 tackles, averaging 10 a game. The only thing he doesn’t have is an interception. How badly does he want that turnover?

“Most definitely I want that takeaway. I’ve been saying it every day. Hopefully I can get one this week,” said Nomura.

Key Players to Watch for UNLV

Offense: Senior wide receiver/kick returner/punt returner Jacob De Jesus, No. 21

De Jesus is the second half of the All-American wide receiver duo including Ricky White III. He sets himself apart with his dynamic playmaking ability not only as a pass catcher but also his contributions on special teams.

He’s also a preseason conference and national honors candidate. Last season he led all of college football with 1,079 combined return yards as a junior, which was 217 more than the next player on the list. This season he has five receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

Defense: Linebacker Jackson Woodard, No. 7

Woodard is a preseason first team All-Mountain West selection and conference defensive player of the year candidate. He became the first CSC First Team Academic All-America honoree in UNLV football history. He’s on the watch lists for the Butkus Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Chuck Bednarik Award.

This season he has 14 solo tackles, nine assists, three sacks, and an interception. He’s received two MW Defensive Player of the Week honors in three weeks.

Mountain West Football Matchups:

All games will be played on Saturday and broadcast times are Pacific.

Air Force (1-2) at Wyoming (0-4)

Game Starts: 5 p.m.; Broadcast: CBS Sports Network. Analysts predict the Falcons will beat the Cowboys. Both teams are seeking their first conference win of the season.

Washington State (4-0) at No. 25 Boise State (2-1)

Game Starts: 7 p.m.; Broadcast: FS1. Analysts predict the Broncos will beat the Cougars. The future Pac-12 Conference foes meet in a highly intriguing matchup, the unbeaten versus the ranked. These teams last met in 2017 with the Cougars winning. The Broncos are 113-21 all-time when ranked.

New Mexico (0-4) at New Mexico State (1-3)

Game Starts: 5 p.m.; Broadcast: ESPN+. Analysts predict the Lobos will beat the Aggies. It’s the Rio Grande Rivalry game. New Mexico leads the series 73–35–5.

San Diego State (1-2) at Central Michigan (2-2)

Game Starts: 12:30 p.m.; Broadcast: CBS Sports Network. Analysts predict the Chippewas will beat the Aztecs. The clash at CMU will be San Diego State’s first time playing in the Eastern Time Zone since Sept. 26, 2015, at Penn State.

(Analysts are from Fox Sports and ESPN.)