SAN DIEGO (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV (4-5/2-3) wasted an outstanding defensive effort in a 14-10 loss at San Diego State (5-4/3-2) on a cool early November evening before an announced crowd of 28,854 at newly opened Snapdragon Stadium.
The 14 points were the fewest allowed by UNLV on the road vs. a conference opponent since downing BYU 24-3 in Provo in 2002.
The Rebels and Aztecs were locked in a defensive battle throughout, with neither team scoring in the first quarter. SDSU used a second-quarter 28-yard scoring throw to get on the board, marking the seventh time in nine games this season that a Rebel opponent scored first. SDSU would take the second half kickoff and drive down field for another touchdown.
Doug Brumfield, who was back at quarterback after missing the last 11 quarters because of a concussion, found Nick Williams for a 70-yard touchdown to cut the lead in half but twice threw interceptions in the end zone after entering the red zone. Daniel Gutierrez stayed perfect on kicks this season with a 29-yard fourth-quarter field goal to bring UNLV to within four with over 10 minutes left but the Rebels could get no closer.
The tenacious UNLV defense posted six quarterback sacks as part of 11 tackles-for-loss and held SDSU to just 99 rushing yards. The Rebels actually outgained the Aztecs 325-315 in total yardage.
Running back Aidan Robbins, who missed seven straight quarters after being injured vs. Air Force, returned to the starting lineup and finished with 115 yards on 21 carries.
REBEL OF THE GAME:
Defensive lineman Jalen Dixon led the way with 4.5 tackles for loss, including two sacks, and forced a fumble.
STAT OF THE GAME:
UNLV lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions to lose the turnover battle, 4-1.
QUOTABLE:
"Obviously, I'm disappointed to come out and start so slow. Four turnovers is hard to overcome versus a good, quality opponent - that's what those guys are. They proved that on defense. To overcome turnovers in this situation is hard, two of those in our own territory, which are a loss of points and probably the swing of the game. We've got to put that behind us, we've got a short week coming up. We've got to regroup and shake some of the rust off some of these guys who are back."
UNLV Head Coach Marcus Arroyo
REBEL NOTES:
-This game was held in one of four stadiums that UNLV will play in for the first time in 2022 (Cal, Notre Dame, SDSU and Hawai'i)
-After being outscored 96-40 in the first quarter the first eight games, UNLV pitched a shutout in the opening frame vs. the Aztecs
-It marked the first time UNLV did not allow any points in the first quarter since Game Four last season at Fresno State
-Adam Plant Jr. posted his team-leading fourth QB sack in the first quarter and then ended the first half with his fifth
-The teams combined for only three total first downs in the first quarter (two for UNLV)
-UNLV posted four sacks in the first half and six overall
-SDSU took a 22-10 lead in the overall series, including 13-4 at home
-Nick Williams ended with 94 yards on four catches
-The one-score loss was the eighth suffered by UNLV in the last two seasons
NEXT FOR THE REBELS:
UNLV will host Fresno State on Friday in its first home game in nearly a month. Kickoff for the game vs. the Bulldogs is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network. Tickets are available by visiting unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS.
