OXFORD, Ohio – Resiliency has become the identity of Dan Mullen’s UNLV Rebels, and Saturday was no exception. In a wild back-and-forth battle at Yager Stadium, UNLV (4-0) stormed back from a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat Miami University (0-3) 41-38, securing its first-ever win in the Eastern Time Zone in 15 tries.
The early 9 a.m. PT kickoff on ESPNU brought a sluggish Rebel start, but UNLV caught fire when it mattered most. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea led the charge with 293 passing yards and two touchdowns, while junior star Jet Thomas rushed for 118 yards and a score, moving into a tie for sixth on UNLV’s all-time career rushing touchdown list (24).
A Wild Swing in Momentum
The third quarter saw chaos reign. After tying the game 24-24 with two quick touchdowns, UNLV gave up a 100-yard kickoff return and a tipped-pass pick-six, suddenly finding themselves back down by two scores. Yet the Rebels never blinked.
They methodically answered with two touchdowns to even things up before setting up kicker Ramon Villela, who calmly drilled a 23-yard field goal with just 15 seconds left.
Miami attempted a last-second heave after a botched snap on a 57-yard field goal attempt, but senior linebacker Marsel McDuffie sealed the win with an interception capping a stat-stuffing day of 10 tackles, a fumble recovery, and the game-clinching pick.
Defensive Spark
Though the defense struggled in the first half, allowing over 300 yards, adjustments proved critical. Miami’s offense managed just 89 total yards after halftime and failed to score on offense.
The biggest jolt came courtesy of safety Aamaris Brown, who continued his dream season. Brown snatched his nation-leading fourth interception, returning it for his second pick-six of the year. The senior has now recorded a pick in all four games this season, becoming just the sixth player in Mountain West history to do so.
Coach Mullen Praises Composure
Head coach Dan Mullen credited both his staff and players for staying poised despite the chaos.
“We had every reason to point fingers, to start complaining and lose composure,” Mullen said. “Instead, they stayed cool, adjusted, and kept fighting. We thought we were about to blow it open, then 15 seconds later we’re down 14. No one flinched. That’s how you win these kinds of games.”
Notable Numbers
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UNLV starts 4-0 in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history.
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Mullen is the first coach to open a Rebel career 4-0 since Tony Knap in 1976.
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The Rebels were 9-for-9 on third down in the second half before their final drive; they finished 12-of-17 overall.
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The game marked UNLV’s first win over a MAC opponent on the road.
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Miami will return the favor with a trip to Allegiant Stadium in 2032.
What’s Next
After a well-earned bye week, UNLV will open Mountain West play at Wyoming on October 4 in a 4 p.m. PT kickoff on CBS Sports Network. The Rebels then return home on October 11 to host Air Force at 12:30 p.m.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
