With devastating news regarding quarterback Matthew Sluka, the UNLV Rebels chances of a playoff appearance have potentially left with him.
Sluka was a dynamic, intelligent quarterback that rarely made mistakes on offense through three games with the Rebels. After alleged NIL payment issues, Sluka has redshirted to finish the 2024 season and announced an immediate entrance into the transfer portal upon opening. The quarterback was a former star for the Holy Cross Crusaders before transferring to UNLV for his final season of collegiate eligibility.
While Sluka may not have been lighting up the scoreboard with his performances, the quarterback did enough to win games.
UNLV currently has a 16% chance to make the playoff this season, according to the ESPN playoff predictor. However, the most recent update of the predictor was on September 22nd, as the system is updated following the results of games.
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka is leaving the team and entering the transfer portal.
No. 23 team in the nation, undefeated, chasing a playoff spot, and now without its starting QB. UNLV hosts Fresno State on Saturday. https://t.co/ZlQuX6Rdf9
— Mike Grimala (@MikeGrimala) September 25, 2024
Sports books, however, update instantaneously as odds tend to shift in just a moments notice for many sports. UNLV has dropped from +1000 to +1200 on Draftkings just hours after the notable quarterback announced his transfer intentions.
As upset as some may be in regards to the money they previously placed on the team, nobody is as upset as the UNLV fans.
The Rebels got off to a solid 3-0 start with an upset with over a talented Kansas Jayhawks team despite the current 1-3 record. Sluka was a major contributor for the offense and helped run the Rebels offense exactly how the team needed to. However, without Sluka the Rebels will have a difficult time finding someone who has the same running ability as the quarterback.
UNLV Rebels Playoff Chances Drastically Change Following Sluka Transfer Announcement
Despite being covered in UNLV Rebels clothing and having access to likely plenty more amenities than the average student, Sluka felt the broken promises outweighed the luxury of playing for UNLV.
With the quarterback leaving, some are concerned the team cannot make the playoff, while others feel the team surrounding Sluka was key. Regardless, UNLV will have a tough game against future Pac-12 Conference member Fresno State at home.
The UNLV Rebels must face Syracuse, Utah State, Oregon State, and #25 Boise State next on the schedule. The Rebels already have two Power-Four conference wins over Houston and Kansas, two strong Big-12 opponents. The roads ahead with Sluka are rather difficult, and posed a threat even with the experienced quarterback on the side of the Rebels.
UNLV is going to have to go back to the drawing board and figure out what they need to do to win against Fresno State first.
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