UNLV Football Makes History with Upset Victory Over Big 12 Team
UNLV football made a statement under the Friday night lights at Children’s Mercy Park as they faced off against the Kansas Jayhawks in a rematch of last year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl. The Rebels came into the game with a 2-0 record, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 1999, while the Jayhawks were looking to bounce back from a tough loss against Illinois the previous week.
The game started off shaky for UNLV as they struggled to find their rhythm on defense, particularly against Kansas’ ground game led by running back Devin Neal. Neal was a force to be reckoned with in the first half, racking up 95 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Jalon Daniel also found success with two rushing touchdowns, giving the Jayhawks a 14-3 lead early on.
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka faced challenges in the passing game, continuing a trend of struggling to complete more than 50% of his passes in a game this season. The Rebels also had difficulties finding the end zone in the red zone, settling for field goals instead of touchdowns.
However, the tide began to turn for UNLV towards the end of the first half when Jalon Daniel threw a crucial interception to Jalon Catalon, setting up the Rebels to score before halftime. A touchdown pass from Sluka to Jaiden Thomas narrowed the gap to 13-17 as UNLV headed to the locker room.
In the second half, the UNLV defense stepped up their game, making crucial stops and slowing down Devin Neal’s rushing attack. Berry Odom’s adjustments proved effective as the Rebels managed to contain the Jayhawks and keep the game within reach.
One pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter when UNLV capitalized on a fumble recovery by Kylin James, setting up a crucial drive that culminated in James powering through for a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Rebels a late 23-20 lead.
UNLV’s offense controlled the clock in the final minutes, running 18 plays for 75 yards and holding the ball for nearly 10 minutes. The defense sealed the victory with a sack on fourth down, securing the historic win for the Rebels with a final score of 23-20.
Despite Sluka’s struggles in the passing game, he showcased his dual-threat ability by finishing with 124 rushing yards, marking the second time this season he has surpassed 70 yards on the ground. The win propels UNLV to a 3-0 start, their best since 1984, and puts them on the radar in college football.
Looking ahead, UNLV will have a bye week before facing their first Mountain West opponent, the Fresno State Bulldogs, at Allegiant Stadium. The Rebels’ impressive start to the season has garnered attention and potential national rankings, solidifying their status as a team to watch in the coming weeks.
