The improvements are becoming more tangible for the UNLV football program in Marcus Arroyo’s third season.
UNLV defeated reigning Mountain West champion Utah State 34-24 on Saturday in Logan, Utah, in the conference opener.
The Rebels are 3-1 for the first time since 2008.
UNLV’s defense forced six turnovers by Utah State quarterback Logan Bonner, including five interceptions. The final turnover came late in the fourth quarter as the Aggies were driving near midfield after cutting the deficit to 10 points.
Defensive lineman Adam Plant Jr. came from behind Bonner and knocked the ball loose. Nose tackle Tavis Malakius recovered the fumble, and the Rebels ran down more clock, all but ending Utah State’s chance at a comeback.
UNLV sophomore quarterback Doug Brumfield completed 21 of 31 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown and also ran for two scores.
Brumfield showed the dynamic he brings to the Rebels’ offense as a runner in the first quarter. He rushed through the Utah State defense for a 4-yard touchdown and battled his way through the pile on third-and-goal to give UNLV a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
UNLV’s lead grew as Brumfield connected with junior wide receiver Kyle Williams for a 6-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. The Rebels added a pair of field goals from sixth-year kicker Daniel Gutierrez as they went into the locker room leading 27-16.
Junior running back Aidan Robbins rushed for a 5-yard score midway through the third quarter as the Rebels continued to maintain control. Robbins finished with 81 yards on 28 carries.
Along with six turnovers, UNLV’s defense stopped Utah State three times on fourth down and held the Aggies to 4-for-13 on third-down attempts.
Bonner completed 20 of 31 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns, but with the five interceptions.
The game wasn’t entirely a win for the Rebels, as a couple of their starting wide receivers left the game with injuries. Williams left the game in the second quarter with an apparent leg injury, and senior transfer Jeff Weimer left in the fourth quarter with an apparent shoulder injury.
Weimer led UNLV with 57 receiving yards on five catches, and senior transfer wide receiver Nick Williams added 53 yards.
The Rebels benefited from 11 Utah State penalties for 93 yards, with several of those committed after the whistle. The Aggies outgained the Rebels in total yards 419-320.
UNLV will host New Mexico at 8 p.m. Friday at Allegiant Stadium.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Alex Wright at [email protected]. Follow @AlexWright1028 on Twitter.
