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DEKALB, Ill. UNLV jumped out to a 17-3 lead in the first half over Northern Illinois, but the Huskies rallied to beat the Rebels 38-30 in the season opener on Saturday night.

Senior Blake Decker hooked up with sophomore Devonte Boyd for the first touchdown in the Tony Sanchez era on UNLV's first drive.

NIU answered on its first drive of the game when Christian Hagan hit a 48-yard field goal.

The Rebels extended their lead early in the second quarter when back-up quarterback and Illinois native Kurt Palandech scampered 18 yards for a score, giving UNLV a 14-3 advantage.

Later in the second quarter the Rebels' Nicolai Bornand hit a 21-yard field goal, but the Huskies answered with a touchdown to close out the first half. UNLV went into the break with a 17-10 advantage. It was the first time since visiting Air Force in 2013 that the Rebels had a lead at half while on the road.

NIU tied the game 1:12 into the second half and that opened up a 28-6 run as the Huskies jumped out to a 38-23 lead with just over eight minutes left in the game.

The Rebels closed the gap with 5:26 left in the game when Decker connected with classmate Aaron Criswell for a 41-yard touchdown.

The UNLV defense then forced NIU to a 3-and-out and got the ball back with 3:17 left in the game. The Rebels were driving on its final possession of the game, but UNLV was unable to convert on fourth down and the Huskies were able to hold on for the victory.

Decker finished the game 21-of-39 for 319 yards, which was his fourth highest passing total as a Rebel, and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 35 yards on 10 carries.

Boyd finished with 107 yards on five catches and a touchdown to lead UNLV. Kendal Keys finished with six catches for 62 yards, Anthony Williams finished with five receptions for 52 yards and Criswell finished with three grabs for 61 yards and a score.

Defensively the Rebels were led by Peni Vea, who finished with nine tackles, including a sack, and forced a fumble.