UNLV-Memphis Game Day Preview: Jackson Arnold, Jet Thomas, Defensive Questions and CFP Stakes

Rebel Daily Drive previews UNLV’s Week 0 opener against Memphis as game day arrives in Las Vegas. Mike Matsumoto is joined by Mike Cooper and Matt to break down Jackson Arnold being named the starter, how Alex Orji could still factor into Dan Mullen’s offense, and why Jai’Den Thomas, Jaylon Glover and the offensive line could define the Rebels’ approach. The crew also looks at UNLV’s wide receiver room, including Taeshaun Lyons, Vincent Carner, Taz Reddicks, Peyton Zachary, DeAngelo Irvin Jr. and Kayden McGee, along with the different matchup options the Rebels can use without one clear Ricky White-type alpha. On the Memphis side, the discussion focuses on Charles Huff’s rebuilt roster, Marcus Stokes at quarterback, Dallan Hayden in the backfield, Hunter Tipton at tight end, Jamon Tapp and Mike Montgomery on defense, and how much continuity Memphis still has despite major roster turnover. The episode also gets into Cohen Fuller being ruled ineligible, the impact of losing Fuller, Laterrance Welch and Donovan Spellman, and which young defensive players could step forward for Paul Guenther’s defense. The show closes with final score predictions, season expectations, Mountain West championship talk, the College Football Playoff ceiling and a call for UNLV fans to create a real game-day environment at Allegiant Stadium. 00:00 - UNLV-Memphis Preview 01:40 - Jackson Arnold and Alex Orji 02:54 - Jai’Den Thomas and the Run Game 06:34 - UNLV Wide Receiver Room 08:30 - Campus Energy 11:35 - Memphis Roster Turnover 12:37 - Marcus Stokes and Dallan Hayden 14:15 - Hunter Tipton, Jamon Tapp and Mike Montgomery 17:44 - Cohen Fuller Ruled Ineligible 19:52 - Welch, Spellman and Defensive Depth 22:30 - UNLV’s Defense 29:14 - Offensive Players to Watch 30:01 - Defensive Players to Watch 32:02 - Austin Boyd and the Offensive Line 35:43 - Tre Fulton and the Secondary 36:28 - Memphis Scheme Questions 40:04 - Final Predictions 43:34 - Season Expectations 47:31 - Game-Day Environment 48:58 - Vegas Varsity Promo Follow The Scarlet Standard: Website: https://the-scarlet-standard.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTPBxVqczV4vLqAlivI3FPw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GJCuyv8rTRu5arNdcjH4v Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-scarlet-standard/id1885404705 X/Twitter: https://x.com/SS_MediaLV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_medialv/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Scarlet-Standard-LV-61577609316045/ Vegas Varsity: https://vegasvarsity.com/ Use promo code SSM10 for 10% off. #UNLVFootball #UNLVFB #MountainWest