UNLV just landed its first potentially game-winning play, taking a 17-7 defensive lead over UNR less than a minute into the second quarter.

On a 3rd-and-14 play, UNLV sent defensive back Jarvis Ware on a blitz. He hit Brendon Lewis during his windup and launched the ball; it rolled along the goal line, where linebacker Jackson Woodard picked it up for the TD.

The Scarlet and Gray defenses have already sacked Lewis four times, and the pressure is coming from everywhere – the secondary has two sacks, the linebackers have one and the defensive line has one.

Chittenden’s field goal gives UNLV a 10-7 lead

Caden Chittenden just kicked a 26-yard field goal to give UNLV a 10-7 lead with 5:50 left in the first quarter, but it feels like the Scarlet and Gray are missing some early opportunities here.

UNLV’s fast start was erased as quickly as it was built. UNR quarterback Brendon Lewis converted a crucial 3rd-and-14 deep into his own territory, then three plays later found receiver Cortez Braham rushing up the middle for a 45-yard touchdown.

The UNLV defense was out of position for the equalizer as no one ran with Braham; Linebacker Marsel McDuffie dropped back and was closest in coverage but appeared to be tied to another receiver.

A defensive stop there would have given the offense a chance to put UNR in a deep hole early. Instead, Scarlet and Gray drove inside the 10-yard line before running back Devin Green was stopped short of the line for a gain on third down. Barry Odom and his team have to be content with a lead of 10:7 after two drives.

UNLV scores early and takes a 7-0 lead in the cannon game

Wow, that was quick.

UNLV received the opening kickoff and went straight to offside, scoring on a fourth-and-goal play to give UNR a quick 7-0 lead with 12:42 left in the first quarter.

The first play from scrimmage was a pop pass to Jacob De Jesus down the right side for a 30-yard gain. On the next play, Hajj-Malik Williams gained 29 yards, setting up a score.

Down on fourth down from the 1-yard line, UNLV elected to go for it, and a play fake allowed tight end Kaleo Ballungay to sneak uncovered to the left side of the end zone. Williams threw him a simple pass for a touchdown and this cannon game is officially underway.

UNLV can secure a spot in the MWC title game with a win

The stakes have never been higher for the UNLV football team, as a victory Saturday over in-state rival UNR (5 p.m., CBS Sports Network) would not only allow the Scarlet and Gray to retain ownership of the Fremont Cannon, but They also block them into next week’s Mountain West championship game at Boise State.

Over and beyond? A spot in the College Football Playoff is at stake.

How will UNLV respond to the pressure? Three keys to keep in mind compared to UNR:

Ricky is ready for the rivalry

When players are remembered for their performances in rivalry games, Ricky White has a chance to bronze his own statue on Saturday.

White was ecstatic in the win over UNR last year, catching seven passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns, leading UNLV to a 45-27 win and retaining the Fremont Cannon. The wolf pack certainly remembers this performance; The question is: can they do something about it this time?

In fact, UNR enters this contest with a top-50 pass defense, ranking 49th in opponent pass rating and 42nd in passing yards allowed. A good comparison for White might be the other star receiver in the Mountain West, San Jose State’s Nick Nash. When UNR faced San Jose State on Oct. 5, Nash caught five balls for 75 yards and a touchdown – appropriate numbers for the most prolific pass catcher in the country.

If White can break free for a few big plays, it could be enough to swing the game in UNLV’s favor.

The defense finishes strong

It’s been an up-and-down season for the UNLV defense, looking dominant at times and vulnerable at times. In last week’s win at San Jose State, that unit appeared impenetrable, limiting the Spartans to nine first downs, 1.2 yards per rush and 81 passing yards.

UNLV is positioned to finish the season strong as Barry Odom reported the team is particularly strong on the defensive side of the ball – a sharp contrast from last season when several key playmakers limped to the finish line.

Against UNR’s 105^Th-Ranked offense (21.5 points per game), look for UNLV to get aggressive, chase the quarterback and try to cause havoc early.

Under pressure

UNLV in the College Football Playoff? That’s no longer a hypothetical – if Scarlet and Gray win their next two games (including the MWC Championship), they’ll join the 12-team field.

That kind of pressure should be overwhelming, but the players appeared relaxed and relaxed at their weekly press conference, more concerned with defending the Fremont Cannon than talking about playoff scenarios.

“I would definitely say we have pep in our step,” White said. “We’re still fixated on winning this last game of the regular season, 1-0 this week, and I feel like if we can do that, everything else will fall into place.”

Team leader

UNLV (9-2, 5-1 MWC)

Passing by

Hajj-Malik Williams: 63.8%, 1,567 yards, 15 TDs, 4 INTs

Rush

Jai’Den Thomas: 697 yards, 5.6 yards per carry, 6 touchdowns

Reception

Ricky White: 70 receptions, 965 yards, 10 touchdowns

defense

Jackson Woodard: 108 tackles, 15.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 INTs

UNR (3-9, 0-6 MWC)

Passing by

Brendon Lewis: 66.9%, 1,998 yards, 14 TDs, 6 INTs

Rush

Savion Red: 683 yards, 5.9 yards per carry, 8 touchdowns

Reception

Jaden Smith: 53 receptions, 757 yards, 6 touchdowns

defense

Kitan Crawford: 72 tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 2 INTs

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or (email protected). Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.