Barry Odom, the new hire for UNLV football, is facing the challenge of turning around a losing streak that has plagued the team for years. The Rebels have only had one winning season since 2000, and that was a decade ago. Can Odom be the coach to finally bring success to UNLV?
In their second game of the season, UNLV will face off against Michigan on September 9th. The game will be broadcasted on CBS, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. It will be a tough match for UNLV, as Michigan has been a strong contender in recent years, with consecutive Big Ten titles and playoff appearances.
Last season, UNLV finished with a 5-7 overall record, including a 3-5 mark in the Mountain West Conference. They struggled in close games, losing all four of their one-score matches until their season finale, where they finally secured a 27-22 victory. Head coach Marcus Arroyo was let go after three years on the job, leaving the position open for Barry Odom.
Odom brings experience from his previous roles as Arkansas’ defensive coordinator and Missouri’s head coach. During his time at Missouri, he achieved a 25-25 record. Odom is determined to see UNLV succeed, acknowledging the potential for a successful football program in Las Vegas.
UNLV will heavily rely on quarterback Doug Brumfield, a 6-foot-6 lefty who started 10 games last season. Brumfield has faced some injury issues but has shown promise in moving the chains with both his arm and legs. Vincent Davis, a transfer from Pittsburgh, joins the team as a running back after an impressive four-year career, including 1,813 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Improving the defense will be one of Odom’s priorities, as UNLV had a ninth-ranked defense in the Mountain West Conference last season. The addition of several transfers should bolster the defensive lineup.
Despite Odom’s efforts, UNLV faces an uphill battle in his first season. The team did not have any players named to the preseason all-conference offensive or defensive teams, and they were projected to finish ninth out of twelve teams in the Mountain West Conference. However, one of the 37 voters did cast a first-place vote for UNLV, hinting at the team’s potential.
UNLV had its last winning seasons in 2013 and 2000, with records of 7-6 and 8-5, respectively. Joining the Mountain West Conference has made it challenging to achieve consistent success. However, with Odom at the helm, the team hopes to break the cycle of disappointment and establish a winning culture.
As for their upcoming game against Michigan, the Wolverines are predicted to be a formidable opponent. In their previous encounter in 2015, Michigan emerged victorious with a score of 28-7. Given the vast difference in recent success between the two teams, it is unlikely that this year’s matchup will be highly competitive.
It remains to be seen whether Odom can reverse UNLV’s fortunes and lead them to victories against stronger opponents like Michigan. Only time will tell if the new hire can bring about the much-needed turnaround for UNLV football.
