UNLV Dominates Fresno State 59-14 in Conference Showdown
- Hajj-Malik Williams led UNLV with three touchdown passes and a rushing score, stepping in for the injured Matthew Sluka.
- The Rebels established a commanding lead early, scoring 21 points by halftime and extending it throughout the game.
- Fresno State's offense faltered, with only 30 rushing yards, leading to a significant defeat and raising concerns about their performance.
In a dominant performance, UNLV secured a 59-14 victory over Fresno State during their conference opener on Saturday. Hajj-Malik Williams stepped in as the starting quarterback, leading the Rebels to their fourth consecutive win of the season. Despite the absence of regular starter Matthew Sluka, who announced he would sit out the remainder of the season due to a disputed NIL payment, Williams showcased his skills by throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for another score. The game began with Williams scoring on a 6-yard run, setting the tone for the Rebels. A blocked punt by Rashod Tanner allowed Ricky White III to score, extending the lead to 14-0. Williams connected with White for two more touchdowns, and Jai’Den Thomas contributed with a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, further solidifying UNLV's commanding lead. Fresno State struggled offensively, with quarterback Mikey Keene managing to throw for 316 yards but also facing two interceptions. The Bulldogs' rushing game was ineffective, totaling only 30 yards on 31 carries. Raylen Sharpe was a bright spot for Fresno State, catching 10 passes for 116 yards. This victory not only highlights UNLV's strong start to the season but also raises questions about Fresno State's performance and adjustments needed moving forward. The Rebels are now 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Mountain West Conference, while Fresno State falls to 3-2 and 1-1 in conference play.