UNLV dominates Utah Tech 72-14 in home opener
- Matthew Sluka and Ricky White III combined for three touchdowns in the first quarter, leading UNLV to a 28-7 advantage.
- UNLV scored a total of 72 points, with a strong ground game contributing to 504 rushing yards and six different players scoring.
- The Rebels' dominant performance in their home opener signals a promising season ahead.
In a dominant performance on Saturday, UNLV showcased their strength against Utah Tech in their home opener, winning decisively with a score of 72-14. The game began with Matthew Sluka and Ricky White III connecting for three touchdowns in the first quarter, establishing a commanding 28-7 lead. Sluka, a transfer from Holy Cross, demonstrated his dual-threat capability by completing 8 of 15 passes for 161 yards and adding a 30-yard touchdown run. The Rebels continued to build their lead in the second quarter, with freshman Caden Chittenden contributing three field goals, the longest being 36 yards. By halftime, UNLV had extended their advantage to 44-7. The team maintained their momentum in the second half, with Greg Burrell and Timothy Conerly each scoring rushing touchdowns, showcasing the depth of their running game. Hajj-Malik Williams, another transfer, took over quarterback duties in the second half, effectively managing the game without needing to throw a pass, while Cameron Friel added a touchdown run. The Rebels' ground game was particularly impressive, amassing a total of 504 rushing yards, with Burrell leading the way with 101 yards. Utah Tech struggled to keep pace, with Deacon Hill completing 15 of 29 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Despite a brief moment of hope with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Alec Burton, the team could not recover from the early deficit. This game highlighted UNLV's offensive prowess and set a strong tone for the rest of the season.