Game Recap: UNLV vs. Boise State
In a rainy showdown at Albertsons Stadium, UNLV faced off against Boise State in the Mountain West Championship. The final score? Boise State 38, UNLV 21. A crowd of 27,152 witnessed the tense game as the Rebels’ four-game winning streak came to an end. This match might be particularly significant since Boise State will be leaving the Mountain West.
The Rebels started slow, falling behind 21-0. However, quarterback Anthony Colandrea led a pair of scoring drives. He capped one off with a rushing touchdown and later threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Troy Omeire, trimming the deficit to 28-14 at halftime. In the third quarter, UNLV pulled the score closer with another touchdown but couldn’t keep pace as Boise extended their lead with a score and a field goal in the fourth quarter.
Standout Performers
Anthony Colandrea was a key player, marking his presence in every game this season by throwing at least one touchdown and running for over 15 yards. He recorded 66 rushing yards, bringing his season total to 621, which ranks third all-time for UNLV.
Quick Stats
- UNLV has lost only six times over the past two seasons, four of those to Boise State.
- The Rebels have maintained a record of scoring 20 or more points in 35 consecutive games.
Expert Insight
Dan Mullen, the head coach of UNLV, praised his team’s effort throughout the season, highlighting their growth from the past January. He noted the quality of the Boise State team, admitting they deserved the win.
Historical Context
This matchup was an important one, marking the fifth meeting between these teams in just over two years. Notably, it’s only the third time in history that the same teams have faced each other in three consecutive conference title games.
As the season wraps up, UNLV awaits news on their bowl game selection. This will be their third consecutive bowl appearance, a first for the program.
The game showcased not just the teams’ competitive spirit but also underlined UNLV’s continuous improvement in the face of formidable opponents.
