UNLV takes down Utah State 34-24 in conference opener

The UNLV Rebels (3-1) took their talents to Logan, Utah on Saturday night to face off against the reigning Mountain West champs in the Utah State Aggies (1-3). The Rebels had a slow start for the first nine minutes of the game but were able to adjust and create a commanding lead, securing their first conference win of the season. The Rebels are 3-1 to begin a season for the first time since 2008.

QB Doug Brumfield made some great throws at the end of the first quarter to put them in position to tie the game. On second and goal at the four yard line, Brumfield kept the ball himself and rushed for a touchdown. Within a few minutes, Brumfield rushed for another touchdown to put the Rebels up 14-7 to begin the second quarter. After the Rebels took that lead, they never gave it away.

Brumfield finished the night with 21 completions on 31 attempts, 217 passing yards and three touchdowns (one in the air and two on the ground). But Brumfield was not the only star of the night as the UNLV defense secured 5 interceptions and recovered a fumble, continually giving the Rebel offense chances against Utah State to capitalize on their lead. RB Aidan Robbins fought for 81 yards on 28 attempts and a touchdown, which was not as successful as last week’s performance when he racked up 227 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries, but he ran hard for the Rebels against Utah State when they needed him.

Marcus Arroyo has the Rebels at the top of the Mountain West conference standings with an upward trajectory ahead of them. They will have another opportunity next week to solidify their stance in the conference when they take on New Mexico at home.