UNLV vs. San Diego State: A Rivalry for the Ages Key Statistics Notable Players The Future of the Rivalry FAQs

In the annals of college football, few rivalries evoke as much passion and drama as the one between the UNLV Rebels and the San Diego State Aztecs. With a history spanning decades and filled with countless memorable moments, this intense matchup has captured the hearts of fans throughout the nation.

The Early Years: A Tale of Two Cities

The rivalry’s roots can be traced back to the early 1970s, when UNLV and San Diego State were both members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The first meeting between the two schools took place in 1972, with the Aztecs emerging victorious with a score of 24-14.

Over the next several years, the rivalry quickly gained momentum, becoming one of the most anticipated games on both teams’ schedules. The intense competition on the field was matched by the passionate fan bases off the field, who eagerly awaited each matchup with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

The WAC Wars: A Battle for Supremacy

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the UNLV-San Diego State rivalry reached its peak, as both schools emerged as perennial contenders for the WAC championship. Led by legendary coaches Ron Meyer at UNLV and Al Luginbill at SDSU, the teams engaged in a series of epic battles that captivated fans and defined the era.

In 1984, UNLV and San Diego State played a game that would forever be etched in the rivalry’s history. With the WAC championship on the line, the two teams fought tooth and nail in a contest that went down to the final play. Ultimately, UNLV emerged triumphant with a thrilling 27-25 victory, securing its first-ever WAC title.

The Mountain West Era: A New Chapter Begins

In the early 2000s, both UNLV and San Diego State joined the newly formed Mountain West Conference (MWC). The rivalry continued to thrive in this new league, with each team vying for supremacy in the West Division.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the UNLV-San Diego State matchup remained a highlight of the MWC schedule. Notable games included UNLV’s 40-19 upset victory in 2002, which snapped San Diego State’s 12-game winning streak, and San Diego State’s 43-26 triumph in 2010, which featured a record-setting performance by quarterback Ryan Lindley.

The Current Landscape: A Battle for National Recognition

In recent years, both UNLV and San Diego State have emerged as legitimate contenders on the national stage. Led by head coaches Marcus Arroyo at UNLV and Brady Hoke at SDSU, both teams have enjoyed unprecedented success in recent seasons.

In 2019, San Diego State earned its first-ever AP Top 25 ranking, while UNLV recorded its first bowl victory in over 20 years. The rivalry has taken on new significance in this era, as both teams strive to solidify their positions among the nation’s elite programs.

• All-Time Record: San Diego State leads the all-time series with a record of 30-23-2.
• Home Field Advantage: UNLV has a slight edge at home, holding a record of 14-9 at Sam Boyd Stadium.
• Rushing Yards: San Diego State has consistently been one of the top rushing teams in the nation, averaging over 200 yards per game in recent seasons.
• Passing Yards: UNLV has been more reliant on the passing game, averaging over 300 yards per game in recent years.
• Turnovers: San Diego State has been adept at forcing turnovers, while UNLV has struggled to protect the ball at times.

Throughout the years, the UNLV-San Diego State rivalry has featured a long line of standout players who have left their mark on the game. Some of the most notable names include:

• UNLV: Randall Cunningham, Marcus Allen, Armanti Edwards
• San Diego State: Marshall Faulk, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Ryan Lindley

As the UNLV-San Diego State rivalry enters its sixth decade, it shows no signs of slowing down. With both teams positioned for continued success, the rivalry is poised to reach new heights in the years to come.

Fans can expect to see more thrilling matchups, more passionate rivalries, and more unforgettable moments as the two schools continue to battle for supremacy in the Mountain West Conference and beyond.

1. Who has the overall edge in the rivalry? San Diego State leads the all-time series with a record of 30-23-2.
2. Who holds the home-field advantage? UNLV has a slight edge at home, holding a record of 14-9 at Sam Boyd Stadium.
3. Which team has the more successful recent history? San Diego State has emerged as the more dominant team in recent years, earning its first-ever AP Top 25 ranking in 2019 and winning the Mountain West Championship in 2020.
4. What is the biggest win in the rivalry’s history? Arguably the most memorable win in the rivalry’s history came in 1984, when UNLV upset San Diego State 27-25 to secure its first-ever WAC championship.
5. Who is the all-time leading rusher in the rivalry? Marshall Faulk of San Diego State holds the record for most career rushing yards in the rivalry, with 655 yards.
6. Who is the all-time leading passer in the rivalry? Ryan Lindley of San Diego State holds the record for most career passing yards in the rivalry, with 3,214 yards.
7. Who is the all-time leading tackler in the rivalry? Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila of San Diego State holds the record for most career tackles in the rivalry, with 36 tackles.
8. When is the next scheduled game between UNLV and San Diego State? The next scheduled game between UNLV and San Diego State is on November 12, 2023, at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.