LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The UNLV Rebels fell short in the regular season finale in Saturday's matchup against the San Jose Spartans.
Coming into the game, UNLV had a chance to host the Mountain West Championship in Las Vegas — a first for the Rebels. However, despite falling 31-37 to the Spartans, the Rebels still have a chance to make, and even host the conference title game as Boise State and San Jose State await the computer rankings for the second spot.
There is a 3-way tie for first in the MW (UNLV, Boise State, SJSU)
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) November 25, 2023
Computer rankings will now determine who hosts the championship, which will be final on Sunday.
PREVIEW: UNLV hunting for potential championship appearance in San Jose State matchup
The Spartans had a strong start out of the gate in Saturday's game, with two touchdowns and a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter. UNLV would respond with a touchdown from Jai'Den Thomas in the last few minutes of the quarter.
SJSU Is making It look easy right now against UNLV.
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) November 25, 2023
17-0 with still 4 minutes left In the first
Second quarter would see field goals all around, with the Spartans' Kyler Halvorsen kicking a 30-yard field goal as well as a 34-yard kick from UNLV's Jose Pizano.
At HT:
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) November 25, 2023
SJSU 20 UNLV 10.
Rebels have come back from a deficit like this before, but they got their work cut out for them.
San Jose St has been killing them on 3rd downs
UNLV would come out of half-time swinging with a touchdown in the first two minutes of the third quarter, which was also Thomas' second. The Spartans would widen the gap once again with a responding touchdown, bringing the score to 27-17.
Another field goal from the Spartans would bring the game to nearly a two-touchdown game at the end of the third.
Despite appearing dead in the water, UNLV would make a mad dash to overtake the Spartans, scoring two touchdowns before the end of the game. At one point toward the end of the fourth, it was a one-possession game for UNLV.
Somehow this is a 6-point game after UNLV looked dead In the water.
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) November 25, 2023
If they can get a 3-and-out....watch out 👀
However, after an incompletion on the Rebel's final possession, the Spartans came out of the game with a win.
That's going to do It. Rebels are going to drop the regular season finale to SJSU 37-31
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) November 25, 2023
While the Rebels still have a chance at making an appearance at the Mountain West Championship, who will take the field remains unclear for now.
