LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The UNLV Rebels are set to take the field against their toughest challengers yet, the Fresno State Bulldogs, on Saturday.
The Rebels are looking to continue their impressive record under head coach Barry Odom. Their recent win against Colorado State made the team bowl-eligible for the first time since 2013, so the question now is whether they can push for a conference title game.
Both UNLV and Fresno State enter the field with excellent records at 6-1, though Fresno State has emerged as the favorite to win this weekend.
PREVIEW: UNLV Rebels football to face toughest challenge yet this season in Fresno State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs scored the first touchdown of the game after quarterback Mike Keene completed a 31-yard pass to Tim Grear Jr. The Rebels answered shortly after with a 41-yard touchdown from Ricky White Jr.
Rebels kicker Jose Pizano would widen the Rebel's lead by three points following a 30-yard field goal that tied the game at 7 - 7.
UNLV would surge ahead at the bottom of the second quarter after running back Jai'Den Thomas snags the ball for a four-yard touchdown, bringing the game to 16 - 7. A kick from Pizano would bring the game to 17 - 7.
The Bulldogs would answer with a two-yard touchdown from Dalena after a quiet second period, narrowing the game to a three-point window. They would take the lead with another touchdown from Erik Brooks, who would run 10 yards to score and bring the game to 17 - 21.
A 36-yard field goal and another touchdown would widen Fresno's lead to 17 - 31 at the end of the third quarter.
The Rebels would score early in the fourth quarter, cutting into the Bulldog's lead and making it a one-touchdown game once again. However, a final drive from UNLV would prove unsuccessful after two incomplete passes at the goal line and a final pick from the Bulldogs.
This is UNLV's first loss after a five-game win streak.
UNLV will face off against the New Mexico Lobos next Saturday at 3 p.m. PT.
