Nov 22, 2003

Final Stats?|? Quotes?|? Notes

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Backup quarterback Justin Holland relieved an injured Bradlee Van Pelt in the third quarter and led Colorado State on the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to lift the Rams over UNLV 24-23 Saturday.

Holland found Joel Dreessen in the left side of the end zone from 3 yards out with 53 seconds left in the game.

The touchdown followed a missed field goal for UNLV's Dillon Pieffer from 23 yards with 2:38 left that would have made it a two-possession game.

Pieffer had made three previous field goals on the day.

The Rams (7-5, 4-3) have won seven or more games every year since 1994.

Van Pelt threw for 113 yards on 10-of-16 attempts with two interceptions before leaving with a broken right hand, and Jimmy Green caught 25 passes for 113 yards for Colorado State.

UNLV (5-6, 1-5) started freshman quarterback Shane Steichen in place of Kurt Nantkes who was out with a strained left groin. Steichen threw for 172 yards on 12-of-26 passing.

The Rebels, who were attempting to become bowl eligible for the first third time in 11 years, have lost four straight at home.

UNLV had a 20-14 halftime lead after Joe Milkos returned a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown with 2:17 to play in the half.