Undefeated Rebels Win Wild One Over WarHawks
OXFORD, OH – The UNLV Rebels secured a thrilling victory over the Miami (OH) redhawks, winning 30-27 to improve to 4-0 on the season. This marks the first time in program history UNLV has started a season 4-0 in consecutive years. The game, played in the Eastern Time Zone for the first time since a 1972 loss to the University of Miami (FL), was a tale of two halves for the Rebels.
After falling behind 14-0 early, UNLV rallied, sparked by a pivotal second-quarter interception returned for a touchdown by senior transfer Johnathan Perkins. Perkins, who leads the nation with four interceptions this season, also added a pass breakup and a tackle. He is now the sixth player in Mountain West history to record an interception in four consecutive team games.
UNLV’s offense found success through patience and adjustments. According to Head Coach Dan Mullen, the coaching staff remained calm despite early struggles. “I couldn’t be more proud of these guys. We had every reason to point a finger…to lose composure,” Mullen stated. He credited offensive coordinator Anthony and Coach Corey Dennis for a game plan that focused on taking what the defense gave them, and Coach Mike Sollenne for improving the offensive line’s run-blocking in the second half.
The Rebels’ ability to convert on third down proved crucial. UNLV whent 12-for-17 on third down attempts including a perfect 9-for-9 in the second half leading up to the game-winning drive.
However, the game wasn’t without its challenges. UNLV allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown - their first since 2022 – and an interception return for a touchdown, the first since a game at San jose State last season. The team also saw its Mountain West record streak of 17 games with no more than one turnover snapped with two interceptions thrown.
Despite these setbacks, the Rebels demonstrated resilience. “No one flinched, they just kept doing their job in winning the game,” Mullen said, describing his team’s composure.
Notable stats & Facts:
* Jet Thomas,a junior,tied for sixth place on the UNLV career rushing touchdown list with 24.
* This was the fourth time UNLV has played a football game in the state of Ohio.
* Dan Mullen is the first UNLV coach to begin his tenure 4-0 since Tony Knap in 1976, when UNLV was a Division II program.
* UNLV holds an 8-10 record against current Mid-American Conference teams, having played seven such teams.
* Miami is scheduled to return the game to Allegiant Stadium in Las vegas on September 18, 2032.
UP NEXT: UNLV will enjoy a bye week before opening Mountain West play on October 4th at Wyoming. The game will kick off at 4 p.m. PT and be televised on CBS Sports Network. The Rebels’ next home game is October 11th against Air Force at 12:30 p.m. PT.
