UNLV Football kicked off the 49th and final season at Sam Boyd Stadium on Saturday night.
Anxiousness radiated amongst fans as the Rebels headed into the first quarter.
Pressures loomed on everyone’s shoulders.
Would fans come out in support? Can head coach, Tony Sanchez, secure six wins and stay to see success from the sidelines of Allegiant Stadium? Will Junior quarterback, Armani Rogers remain consistent enough to lead the charge this season?
Certainly, fans and the team alike had questions that this first look could answer.
Charles Williams was first to deliver on promises for a strong start over Southern Utah University’s lacking defense, rushing 22-yards with 4:58 left in the first quarter for UNLV’s first touchdown. It wasn’t until the second quarter that moves were made as Williams added two more touchdowns to the Rebel’s lead. Armani Rogers and Mekhi Stevenson also contributed one touchdown a piece. Taking the Rebels into halftime ahead of the Thunderbirds, 35-7.
Coming out of the locker room, Rogers gave a commanding return to the field, scoring again off a 75-yard gain in just three plays. The Rebels were able to skate by in the third, UNLV ran in two more touchdowns by the contributions of Courtney Reese and Darren Williams.
Now comes the turning point of the game.
Following their scoreless third quarter, SUU retaliated during the fourth when both of UNLV’s lines made amateur mistakes. Thunderbird wide receiver, Zach Nelson, demanded attention with two touchdowns to round out a shutout fourth quarter against the Rebels. Yet, it was UNLV’s throwaway safety with 0:17 to go in the game, that left spectators with a distasteful ending to an otherwise expected outcome overall.
Rogers went 11-17, passing a total of 144 yards for a 92.1 QBR. Charles Williams lead in rushing with 143 yards off 15 carries and Rogers following suit with 11 carries over 114 yards.
The Rebels (1-0) are set to continue a bowl-worthy season as they take on Arkansas State (0-1) at home this coming Saturday. Sam Boyd Stadium will host “Back to the 80’s Night” in a continuation of celebrating each decade of Rebel football.
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