After a back-and-forth first half, the Colorado St. Rams and UNLV Rebels did not disappoint in the second half, scoring a combined 29 points in the fourth quarter alone.
Unfortunately for the Rams faithful, a late interception in field goal range spelled their doomed, despite taking the lead on four separate occasions. The fourth quarter began with the Rams trailing 24-20, but in their first drive of the final quarter, the Rebels drove 73 yards for a 1-yard Dionza Bradford touchdown run and a 31-20 lead.
The Rams responded quickly, driving from the 23 yard line for a 12-yard Pete Thomas touchdown run. With the score narrowed to 27-31, the Rams offense got the ball back only to fumble it away within field goal range. The Colorado State defense stiffened once again, though, setting up a blocked 34-yard field goal attempt.
Reinvigorated and set up on their own 4 yard-line, the Rams offense jammed in another Chris Nwoke touchdown run, giving Colorado St. a 35-31 lead with less than 4:30 remaining.
Unfortunately, the Rams defense could not hold again, as Caleb Herring and Dionza Bradford quickly drove for a decisive touchdown and a 38-35 lead. Pete Thomas was able to move the Rams offense to the UNLV 28 yard line, but Tani Maka picked him off with less than a minute remaining, giving the Rebels a heart-breaking win.
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