The Rebels return to Las Vegas without the Fremont Canyon after a blow out loss against their northern rival, the Nevada Wolf Pack, losing 51-20.
“Obviously disappointed to come in here and play the way we played,” head coach Marcus Arroyo said. “They are an experienced group and we didn’t play well enough or consistently enough to beat a team like that. We’ve got to go back and make sure we get some things cleaned up.”
Despite walking away with losses, the Rebels have been able to put up a good fight against these other teams. Friday night was abnormal for UNLV, as they were unable to get anything going offensively.
The Rebels could not put numbers on the scoreboard until the third quarter.
NFL quarterback (QB) prospect Carson Strong gave Nevada the lead first as they scored on their opening drive.
The Rebels, unlike their past games, could not start as strong against the Wolfpack. UNR forced the Rebels to go three and out. While QB Cameron Friel and the offense could not produce as much, the defense was able to hold UNR to a field goal making it 10-0.
The numbers by the end of the night may have shown the opposite but the Rebels were able to keep it tight the first half, giving themselves a chance. UNLV had a hard time getting past the Wolf Pack defensive line, who are tied for third in team sacks. UNR managed to hold UNLV back to an average of 2.3-yards per play.
Right before halftime UNLV’s Phillip Hill intercepted UNR, giving the Rebels a chance to tighten the game right before leaving the half. The Rebels could not capitalize on this opportunity as Friel threw an interception in the end zone.
Coming back from the break, UNR was able to maintain the Rebels and extend their lead 34-0.
When the game was slipping away from UNLV, Friel managed a big 75-yard scoring drive late in the third quarter. Friel continued the momentum to complete a 23-yard pass to freshman receiver Kyle Williams, earning his first touchdown in the scarlet and gray.
The Wolf Pack answered back, extending the lead back to 41-7, early on in the fourth quarter.
Charles Williams put some points on the board for his team with a 4-yard run. The Rebels were able to score again after a fumble from UNR.
Friel threw an 18-yard pass to Steve Jenkins. It may have been a rough night for the Rebels, but Jenkins was able to have a great game with 12 receptions for 133 yards. The junior had another successful night in which he managed to get his second 100-yard game of the season.
Despite efforts in the second half to gain some momentum, the Rebels finished with just 293 yards compared to the Wolf Pack’s 438 yards.
The Rebels continue their road trip down to New Mexico after suffering this disappointing loss, in hopes of finally earning a victory to bring home. The game is set to be on Nov. 6 with a 4 p.m. kickoff.
