Prairie View A&M late addition to UNLV’s schedule

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- The original plan was for tradition-rich Grambling State to play UNLV on Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

But Grambling and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority couldn’t reach terms on the contract, and the Rebels (1-1) scrambled to schedule Prairie View A&M (1-2) for the 7 p.m. football game.

Though Prairie View also is a historically black college or university, this isn’t part of what was supposed to be a three-year deal with HBCU teams. Jackson State in 2016 and Howard last season were part of that arrangement.

“Any time you get a chance to go against some of those nontraditional guys you don’t normally see on your schedule, it’s kind of neat,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “It’s been a good experience, and we’re excited about this game, and I’m sure it’s good for them, too.”

Jackson State received $300,000 from UNLV and $300,000 from the LVCVA so that it could bring its band early to perform leading up to the game. The Rebels won 63-13. Howard received the same deal last season to bring its band, but also left with a 43-40 upset victory.

Prairie View will travel solo and receive $350,000 for making the trip.

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