Survive and advance. While not a term commonly used in college football, that is what happened with Dan Mullen, former Florida Gators head coach, and his UNLV Rebels on Saturday.
Mullen’s first game on the UNLV sideline didn’t exactly go as scripted, but the Rebels found a way to escape with a 38-31 win over Idaho State on Saturday night.
Thomas powers the Rebels offense
Running back Jai’Den Thomas was the difference-maker, breaking off touchdown runs of 39 and 70 yards to erase an early 10-point hole. He finished with 147 yards on just 10 carries, showing why he’s one of the few returning starters from last year’s 11-win team.
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, a transfer from Virginia, added 195 passing yards and 93 on the ground, keeping the Rebels moving despite inconsistency in the passing game. He connected on a 9-yard touchdown strike to Daejon Reynolds in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 31.
Late drama defines Mullen’s debut
The Rebels’ defense made big plays when it mattered most, picking off Idaho State quarterback Jordan Cooke four times. One of those turnovers set up a gutsy fourth-down call, with Michigan transfer Alex Orji scrambling 11 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.
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Even with the lead, UNLV nearly let it slip. A missed field goal gave Idaho State one more chance, but Cooke was flagged for intentional grounding before Quandarius Keyes broke up a fourth-down heave to seal the win.
Cooke threw for 380 yards on 50 attempts, keeping the Bengals in it until the final minutes despite his four interceptions.
UNLV will go on the road and play at Sam Houston State on Friday.
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