LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — UNLV Football and Ohio University have only played each other one time, back in 1988, but their upcoming bowl game defines a rivalry for Rebels head football coach Dan Mullen and his wife, Megan.
“Very secretive with what’s going on, I’m not going to be able to bring anything back to the house as I have an Ohio U Scripps School of Journalism grad who lives in my house with me," Mullen said. We will make sure on gameday that if she shows up in green and red and says I’m just being festive for the season, we’ll make sure she is all red and not half and half.”
WATCH | Alex Eschelman catches up with Rebels head football coach on upcoming bowl game against Ohio
The Rebs felt festive at Monday's practice, dancing to holiday music during warmups.
“I know the words to these songs better than the songs we typically play," Mullen said. "It’s just something we’ve always done for the holidays.”
This is the 10-3 Rebels' first time playing in the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl and their third straight bowl game appearance, reaching that mark for the first time in program history.
The 8-4 Bobcats, however, are more experienced in postseason play, winning their last six straight bowl games.
“They’re really good, they play hard, they play fast, they’re big up front and their secondary is elite," UNLV Quarterback Anthony Colandrea said.
If Mullen beats Ohio, he will become 6th all-time in bowl game winning percentage as a head coach with an 8-3 overall record.
“Everyone wants to play for Coach Mullen," Colandrea said. "Everyone wants to win at the end of the day; you want to win your last college football game.”
For UNLV linebacker Marsel McDuffie, he not only wants to win for Mullen, but also for his 50-plus family members and friends who will be in attendance.
“Being a fifth-year senior, captain going into this last game, having it be at home where I grew up playing high school football, it means everything," McDuffie said. "I’m just so glad I get to finish it off this way in front of my loved ones and with this team.”
UNLV and Ohio kick off at 6 p.m. at the Ford Center on Tuesday, December 23rd.
-
Runnin' Rebs pull off historic Mountain West first round of tournament
This marks the first time the Runnin' Rebels have beat a team not named Air Force in the first round since 2015.
UNLV Boxing to host 2026 USIBA National Tournament in Las Vegas
UNLV will host the U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association National Tournament, marking a milestone for the rebuilt Rebels program and bringing collegiate fighters nationwide to Las Vegas.
Pastner praises players, fans and Lady Rebels ahead of final home game
UNLV's Runnin' Rebels are tied for sixth in Mountain West standings heading into their final regular season home game Tuesday against Utah State.
Runnin' Rebels look to keep winning streak alive
Runnin' Rebels head coach Josh Pastner shares how proud he is of his team's improvement since November.
