It didn't take long for UNLV's Go-Go offense to produce dividends as Vincent Davis Jr. raced to a 69-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. The win gives head coach Barry Odom his first at UNLV in his first appearance, a feat not accomplished since John Robinson in 1999.
After stopping Bryant on 4th and 1 at their own 41 yard line, the Rebels relied primarily on run game to put the score at 14-0 after Jai'Den Thomas dashed 18 yards for the touchdown.
Bryant was never mounted any real threat to the Rebels, though statistically, they matched up well. Both teams ended up with 409 total yards, but the Rebels running game dominated. No one player surpassed the 100 yard mark, but a bevy of backs rushed for 283 yards while averaging more than seven per carry.
Quarterback Zevi Eckhaus was solid in going 19 of 29 for 230 yards passing to lead Bryant, but the Bulldogs couldn't capitalize in spite of dominating the time of possession.
For the Rebels, quarterback Doug Brumfield wasn't sharp. He did complete 11 of 18 passes, but for only 86 yards and an interception. Brumfield failed to connect on some open plays downfield. However, he did damage with his legs with 71 yards on seven carries.
The most impressive unit for the Rebels was special teams. Not only did Jose Pizano connect on all three of his field goals, the kick coverage swarmed high threat Anthony Frederick with every opportunity he had.
Jacob De Jesus was spectacular in his kick returns. He averaged 52.7 yards per return, highlighted by a 94 yard return before going down at the two yard line. Donavyn Lester plunged in from two yards out to put the Rebels ahead 34-7.
Next week, the Rebels head to Ann Arbor, Michigan to take on the Wolverines. The #2 Wolverines easily won their opener over East Carolina, 30-3.
