In a game that saw fireworks early, UNLV stormed past Utah State on Friday night with a decisive 50-34 victory. The Runnin’ Rebels bounced back from their overtime loss to Syracuse last week, putting on a clinic in Logan, Utah. With three first-half touchdown passes from quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams and a program-record 41 points in the first half, UNLV left no doubt about their intentions.
UNLV’s Offense Fires on All Cylinders
UNLV (5-1, 2-0 Mountain West) hit the ground running — literally and figuratively — from the very first play. Williams found Jacob de Jesus for a 38-yard reception to start the game, setting the tone for what would be a dominant night on offense. Just minutes later, Kylin James punched it in from five yards out, giving the Rebels an early 7-0 lead.
The Runnin’ Rebels continued to pile it on throughout the half:
- 367 yards of total offense by halftime.
- 41-7 lead at the break, setting a new program record against FBS opponents for points in a half.
- Ricky White III hauled in 7 receptions for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns, proving to be a critical target for Williams.
James, who ended the night with 101 rushing yards on just 11 carries, found the end zone three times. Meanwhile, Jai’Den Thomas contributed another 139 rushing yards on 17 carries, capping off UNLV’s offensive explosion.
“We just kept our foot on the gas,” Williams said postgame, crediting the team’s fast start. “After Syracuse, we knew we had to come out aggressive — and we did.”
Utah State’s Troubles Continue, Extending Losing Streak
While UNLV enjoyed their best first-half performance in recent memory, the Aggies (1-5, 0-2 Mountain West) found themselves in familiar territory. With this loss, Utah State extended their skid to five straight games, marking their worst single-season losing streak since 2016.
Quarterback Spencer Petras tried to keep the Aggies afloat with a solid individual performance, completing 35-of-48 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns. But turnovers and defensive lapses early on doomed Utah State before they could build any momentum.
- Two interceptions in the first half, including a pick by Jett Elad, halted crucial drives.
- A costly fumble by Petras gave UNLV prime field position, leading to another touchdown.
- Utah State allowed more than 200 rushing yards, struggling to contain James and Thomas on the ground.
Despite flashes of life, including a 20-yard touchdown run from Rahsul Faison, Utah State never came within striking distance after the first quarter.
Second Quarter Surge Secures Win for Rebels
UNLV owned the second quarter, pouring on 27 points to pull away for good. Williams connected with Casey Cain on an 18-yard touchdown pass, followed by another scoring drive set up by Jackson Woodard’s interception. The Rebels’ offense was relentless, with Chittenden’s 49-yard field goal extending the lead even further.
| Key 2nd Quarter Stats | UNLV |
|---|---|
| Points Scored | 27 |
| Rushing Yards | 122 |
| Interceptions Forced | 2 |
| Field Goals Made (Chittenden) | 2 |
Williams capped the half by hitting White III with a 31-yard touchdown pass, giving UNLV a commanding 41-7 halftime advantage. By then, the game was out of reach for the Aggies.
UNLV Bounces Back, Eyes Future Games
After falling out of the AP Top 25 following their loss to Syracuse, the Runnin’ Rebels needed this statement win. Now sitting at 5-1 overall and unbeaten in conference play, UNLV has put themselves back in the conversation for the Mountain West title.
Caden Chittenden’s performance deserves special mention, as the freshman kicker set a program record with 13 made field goals this season. “It feels good to contribute like this,” Chittenden said. “Hopefully, there’s more to come.”
For Utah State, the outlook remains bleak. The Aggies must now regroup and attempt to salvage what’s left of a disappointing season. With five straight losses, their bowl hopes are slipping away quickly.
