Rebels start fast, finish strong
It seemed like it was going to be an easy game. The Rebels ran for three touchdowns in the first quarter before Wyoming struck back in the second quarter to make it a tight game. But Cameron Oliver came up with the key play of the game and the defense tightened in the second half while the offense used a string of third down conversions and long drives to put the game away. With the 34-14 win, UNLV moved to 8-2 on the season, 5-1 in conference, to set up the biggest game of the season next week at Air Force.
With UNLV coasting with three touchdown runs in the first quarter, two by quarterback Jayden Maiava and one by Jai'den Thomas, it looked like it might be a repeat of last week's slaughter in New Mexico.
With a chance to repeat that performance, UNLV was driving in Wyoming territory when a muffed snap enabled the Cowboys (6-4, 3-3) to gain momentum. Wyoming quarterback Andrew Peasley willed the Cowboys back into the game. Peasley scampered 32 yards to put the Cowboys on the board. Later in the quarter, Peasley patiently engineered an 11-play, 51 yard drive that took over six minutes and bring the Pokes within a touchdown.
As time wound down in the first half, UNLV was forced to punt giving the Cowboys a long field with little time. Starting at their own 14 yard line, Peasley again found a groove. Grabbing large chunks through the air, Peasley led the Cowboys to the Rebel 10 yard line with the clock ticking and 29 seconds left in the first half. Trailing 21-14 at that point, Cameron Oliver made the play of the game. Oliver broke and stepped in front of a pass at the goal line, securing the interception with 12 seconds left in the half. The play stopped the bleeding and allowed the Rebels to regroup at the half, which they did on both sides of the ball.
Early in the second half, UNLV converted three third downs in their 13 play, 70 yard drive that took over six minutes off the clock. Maiava found tight end Kaleo Ballungay on a play action pass at the back of the end zone from five yards out to put the Rebels ahead 28-14. It was Ballungay's first touchdown catch as a Rebel.
Wyoming tried to counter on their next drive, but the Rebel defense bent only a little. Facing a 4th and 3 from the UNLV 43 yard line, Wyoming curiously opted to attempt a 52 yard field and the kick hooked right to keep the Rebels ahead by two touchdowns.
The Rebels again responded. UNLV once again converted three third downs in an 12 play drive that chewed up over six minutes of game clock. Kicker Jose Pizano drilled a 39 yard field goal to put the Rebels up 31-14.
After a three-and-out by the Cowboys, the Rebels again chewed up game clock and ended with a score. This time the Rebels converted two third downs while eating up nearly six minutes. This time Pizano connected from 43 yards to put the Rebels up 34-14. On the year, Pizano has hit on 21 of 22 field goal attempts. Pizano tied Nick Garritano (1994) for most field goals in a season.
The three second half scoring drives totaled 18:33 minutes of game clock and heavily contributed to the lack of scoring opportunities for the Cowboys in the second half.
For the game, the Rebels converted 9 of 153 third down attempts while holding the Cowboys to only 3 of 11 attempts.
As they have done all year, the Rebels split carries through multiple runners to grab 165 yards on the ground, led by Jayden Maiava's 40 yards. Maiava was once again efficient with his arm, completing 17 of 24 passes for 232 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. Ricky White was again his primary receiver, grabbing eight passes for 144 yards. It was White's fourth 100 yard game in his last five. He is now the eight Rebel receiver to have over 1000 reception yards and the first since Devante Davis in 2013.
For the Cowboys, Peasley led Wyoming with 69 yards rushing and 144 yards passing on 11 of 22 attempts.
The eight wins is the first time the Rebels have reached that mark since 2000. In that same year, UNLV went 6-0 at home - the Rebels currently stand at 5-0 at Allegiant.
The victory keeps UNLV's MWC championship hopes alive. In what is arguably the most important game in UNLV football history, the Rebels will finish their road portion of the schedule at conference leader Air Force (8-1, 5-0). The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m, PST.