Go, go, go! Fast offense and aggressive defense guide the way for UNLV to move to 2-0 on the season in its home opener against Utah Tech.
Here is a closer look into the performance that gave the Rebels its second win in as many games.
Offense, Offense, and More Offense
Offensive Coordinator Brennan Marion’s “Go Go” offense did not miss a beat. UNLV’s offense came out firing and scored 72 points, including 44 points in the first half. This point total tied the second highest total in UNLV football history. This was UNLV’s highest total points since 1980.
The offense accounted for a program record 689 total yards.
“We have so many playmakers on offense, so to go out there and run the offense every week in practice, it translates on Fridays and Saturdays,” Ricky White III said about the excitement of running Marion’s “Go Go” Offense.
Mathew Sluka continued to lead this offense efficiently in his second start as the Rebels’ starting quarterback.
Sluka threw for 161 yards and added three touchdowns while posting an 184.8 QBR. He also played a clean game with no turnovers.
Sluka showed his dual-threat ability once again. He rushed for 81 yards and ran for a 30-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
The offensive line also played a huge part in helping this offense score 72 points. This unit protected Sluka well and kept him clean throughout the game, as Sluka did not get sacked once.
The offensive line helped lead the Rebels to rush for 503 yards. Freshman running back Greg Burell was the leading rusher for the Rebels, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown.
“I’ve said early often since I have been here that we have to control the line of scrimmage,” coach Barry Odom said regarding the offensive line play. “We do a lot of work throughout the week, you know, we are trying to be as physical as we can.”
Ricky White III Made His Mark
Star wide receiver Ricky White III showed why he was a First Team All-Mountain West selection last season.
After a quiet game last week, posting only two catches, he came out of this game on fire. White III caught three touchdown passes in the first quarter alone, including a 55-yard deep shot from quarterback Matthew Sluka.
“We were pretty direct in feeding him the ball,” coach Odom said about White III’s performance. “And you know, he executed, made some big, big-time catches, which he has done since I’ve been here.”
His presence was not only felt on offense, but during the second quarter, White III blocked a punt that led to a UNLV field goal.
“I’m just trying to do anything I can to help my team win,” White III said regarding his blocked punt.
White III ended the game with 111 yards and three touchdowns. It was a strong showing for the wide receiver, who was third in the nation last year in receiving yards, posting 1,438 yards.
The Defense Continues to Show Out
The Rebels defense continued its early season dominance, holding the Trailblazers to _ points.
After a miscommunication on defense that led to a 64-yard touchdown for Utah Tech tight end Alec Burton on their first drive, UNLV’s defense settled into the game.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in the game, if it’s the ones or the twos, we are out there trying to do a job,” senior defensive back Jaden Catalon said about the defensive performance. “I think that approach we bring to every single play reflects that.”
The defense also forced two turnovers, with an interception by senior defensive back Jonathon Baldwin in the second quarter.
Senior defensive lineman Waisale Muavesi recovered a fumble on a botched snap by Utah Tech on the first drive of the second half.
Adding on to this impressive showing, the Trailblazers were only able to get past midfield on three drives. The Rebels forced nine punts on 15 Utah Tech drives.
“I think for our defense, just being dominant. Dominate the box and be able to help in the back end and lock up, you know, because at the end of the day, when everybody’s doing their job, I think this defense can go as high as they want to,” Catalon said about the Rebel’s defensive approach to the game.
