UNLV's football team racked up another win this season, taking down Sam Houston State with a convincing 38-21 score last night. In what came off as a display of potent offensive play, Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea shone brightly, throwing for two touchdowns and scrambling for a third. According to News 3 Las Vegas, Colandrea's performance included completing 19 of 23 passes for 249 yards along with a pick, and he also contributed 23 yards on the ground across six carries. Meanwhile, Jaden Bradley emerged as a top target, reeling in six catches for a notable 125 yards. The victory marks a promising 2-0 start for the Rebels.
Despite a technical hitch with the Shell Energy Stadium's game clock—forcing a makeshift timekeeping effort reminiscent of soccer—Colandrea and his team didn't lose their stride. As reported by News 3 Las Vegas, UNLV head coach Dan Mullen even quipped post-game that "it might have been easier to put 45 minutes on the clock and whistle when extra time was used up."
Apart from the aerial assault, UNLV's ground game also contributed handsomely. Jai'den Thomas continued his productive start to the season, with an average of 7.2 yards per carry and a touchdown, cementing his fourth in as many as two games, per a report from Mountain West Connection. The Rebels' offensive efficiency was on full display as they improved their third-down conversion rate, a stark contrast to the previous week's performance.
It wasn't all about the offense though; UNLV's defense flexed its muscles, too. The Rebel defense was highlighted by Aamaris Brown who, as mentioned by Mountain West Connection, returned an interception for a 52-yard touchdown, in addition adding two sacks and four tackles. Despite late-game fireworks from Sam Houston, including a 59-yard touchdown grab from Mettauer, the UNLV squad kept their hosts to a mere one for 13 on third-down conversions. Such standout performances prove crucial as UNLV prepares to face the UCLA Bruins on September 6, in what is expected to be a stern test for Mullen's team.
Looking ahead, the Rebels appear eager to ride the crest of this wave back to their home turf. Coasting on two consecutive victories, the Bruins pose a significant challenge for a team finding its rhythm early in the season. The showdown, scheduled for 5 PM local time, promises to be an illuminating affair for UNLV's rising prospects.
