The UNLV Rebels (1-5) started the scoring early with Nolan Kohorst kicking a 43 yard field goal on their opening drive. The Colorado St. Rams (3-4) could not respond on their first drive, but sophomore linebacker Shaquil Barrett did for them, intercepting a Sean Reilly pass, returning it 52 yards for a 7-3 Colorado St. lead.
The Rams' lead did not last long, however, as Ben DeLine returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and a 10-7 UNLV lead. The Rams crept back to a 13-10 lead after a pair of Chad VanderMolen field goals, but they could not maintain their lead going into the half as Caleb Herring tossed a touchdown with less than a minute remaining, giving the Rebels a 17-13 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, quarterback Pete Thomas, thus far having an underwhelming day, threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Crockett Gillmore, giving the Rams a 20-17 lead.
Through the first two and a half quarters, Colorado St. running backs Chris Nwoke and Raymond Carter have dominated the UNLV defense, rushing for a combined 133 yards on 22 carries. Freshman Lee Clubb has also added a 34 scamper of his own.
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