The UNLV Rebels football program, representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, competes in the Mountain West Conference at the NCAA Division I FBS level, playing its home games at Allegiant Stadium. The team was founded in 1968 under first head coach Bill Ireland, winning its inaugural game against St. Mary's and finishing its debut season with an impressive 8-1 record. A standout moment came in 1974 when the Rebels achieved the only undefeated season in school history (11-0), reaching the Division II national semifinals. After a decade as a Division II independent, the program moved to Division I in 1978 under coach Tony Knap, who led them to a 7-4 record in their first year at that level. The Rebels also established a fierce in-state rivalry with Nevada, competing for the Fremont Cannon since 1970. Knap retired in 1981, capping a tenure that included the team's first appearance on ABC's Regional Game of the Week.