Las Vegas, NV – The UNLV Rebels (8-2, 4-1) put on a show Saturday night, crushing the San Diego State Aztecs (3-7, 2-3) in a decisive 41-20 victory at Allegiant Stadium. This win snaps a four-game losing streak against the Aztecs and marks the first time UNLV has defeated San Diego State in Las Vegas since 2017.
The Rebels, led by head coach Barry Odom, dominated from the start, building a commanding 21-0 lead in the second quarter. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams had a stellar performance, throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing touchdowns of his own. His ability to extend plays and make key runs proved to be a significant factor in the Rebels’ success.
“Hajj is one of the elite players, not only in our conference, but in all of college football,” said Coach Odom after the game. “It’s fun to win when you are at home.”
UNLV’s offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up an impressive 515 total yards. Senior captain Jacob De Jesus, returning after missing seven quarters of play, made a significant impact, accumulating 152 all-purpose yards and leading the team in receiving with 75 yards.
The Rebels’ defense was equally impressive, forcing two turnovers and limiting the Aztecs to just one score in two trips to the red zone. Linebacker Jackson Woodard led the charge with 14 tackles, while safety Jalen Catalon added a sack and an interception.
With this win, UNLV improves to 8-2 on the season, marking the first time a Rebels coach has been at least 10 games over .500 since Tony Knap in 1981. The Rebels now look ahead to a road game against San Jose State on Friday, followed by their home finale against rival UNR on November 30th.
Key Takeaways:
- Dominant Performance: UNLV controlled all aspects of the game, showcasing a balanced offense and a stifling defense.
- Williams Shines: Hajj-Malik Williams continues to impress with his dual-threat abilities.
- De Jesus Returns: Jacob De Jesus made a triumphant return, contributing significantly to the Rebels’ offensive success.
- Odom’s Success: Coach Barry Odom continues to lead the Rebels to new heights in his second year.
This victory marks a significant step forward for the UNLV football program. With continued strong performances, the Rebels have a real chance to compete for the Mountain West Championship and make a statement in the college football world.
