LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — For the first time since entering the conference, the UNLV Rebels will host the Mountain West Championship game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday.
After losing to San Jose State last weekend, the top spot in the MW conference was tied three ways between UNLV, Boise State, and San Jose. The resulting computer decision would select UNLV to host Boise State this weekend.
Led by Las Vegas native and the Mountain West Freshman of the Year, QB Jayden Maiava came of the bench early in the season to replace Doug Brumfield, who went down with an injury. Additionally, head coach Barry Odom — who was also named MW Coach of the Year — has led the team to their best team record since 1984 at 9-3. Under Odom, the team is also bowl-eligible for the first time in a decade.
IT’S YOUR UNLV REBELS!
— Rochelle Richards (@RoRichards24) December 2, 2023
Will they leave today @MountainWest champions? pic.twitter.com/2iAL7IeFGE
MORE: UNLV Rebels football dominates Mountain West postseason awards
The Boise State Broncos are currently sitting at 7-5 for conference play and 6-2 in the MW. The last time these two teams met in 2019, the Broncos emerged victorious at 38-13.
The first drive of the game would see the Broncos make hard offensive drives down the field, resulting in a touchdown and bringing the score to 7-0.
The Rebels would respond with a touchdown from Vincent Davis Jr., tying the game at 7-7.
That stiff arm and balance from Vincent Davis though 👀
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) December 2, 2023
Rebels get on the board.
7-7 In the first #UNLV #MWchampionship
With a minute left in the first quarter, the Broncos would plow through the Rebels' defense for another touchdown. A Pick-6 from inside linebacker Fred Thompkins would tie the game for UNLV once again at the start of the second.
UNLV PICK-6!!!
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) December 2, 2023
Fred Thompkins read that perfectly and takes It all the way.
HUGE momentum shift there.
14-14 to start the second. #UNLV #MountainWestchampionship
The championship matchup would soon begin to look like a shoot-out as the Broncos' Austin Bolt would run for a 57-yard touchdown. That would be followed by another massive 75-yard run for the Broncos' Taylen Green after the Rebels fumbled the ball.
The Broncos would surge ahead once again with a 31-yard field goal attempt, bringing the score to 31-14. Still in the fight, the UNLV Rebels would answer with a 51-yard field goal from Lou Groza Award nominee Jose Pizano.
After 1 half:
— Johnny Resendiz (@Johnnyresendizz) December 2, 2023
Boise State 31 UNLV 17
Rebels have come from behind double-digits before, but they got their work cut out for them. Boise State Is clearly better than Air Force and Vanderbilt. #UNLV #Rebels #MWchampionship
Following half-time, Rebels would start the second half strong with an offensive drive that would bring Pizano into field goal range. A 46-yard attempt from Pizano would help the Rebels trim the Bronco's lead down to only 11 points.
Broncos would answer with a 50-yard field goal and a touchdown at the bottom of the third that would widen the gap once more.
With only 15 minutes left in the final quarter, the Rebels were unable to organize their offense. Broncos would seal the Rebels' fate with a 22-yard field goal to end the championship match-up at 44 - 20.
Saturday's game would see 31,473 in attendance at Allegiant Stadium, a Mountain West Championship game record.
The postseason is not over for UNLV, despite their loss to Boise State. The Rebels are still waiting for the bowl schedule announcement, which is set for this Sunday.
