Seniors End Career on Sour Note
For the third time in the Mike Sanford Era the Rebels witnessed the birth of another loosing streak that extended more than five games. Unfortunately the birth of this streak also marked the beginning of the end for 15 seniors who wind down their career at UNLV.The Rebels hosted San Diego State who was coming off a thrilling come from behind victory over Wyoming. UNLV had two weeks to prepare for the game due a bye and frankly it did not show. Picking off where he left off quarterback Kevin O’Connell torched the UNLV secondary completing his first 11 passes.His counterpart, freshmen Omar Clayton would leave the game early after fracturing his metacarpal on his throwing hand. Opening day starter Travis Dixon entered in relief duty. The offense sputtered as punter Brian Pacheco was kept busy throughout the night punting seven times.The Aztecs jumped out to an 21-0 lead at the half and left the few Rebel faithful frustrated and heading for the doors. At the start of the second half, Aztec fans once more outdrew the hometown crowd. (Is it ironic that the Rebels set an attendance record this season, despite fans leaving early?) Meanwhile, head coach Mike Sanford must have pulled the right strings as the Rebels came out determined and ready to play. Riding junior back Frank Summers, the Rebels scored 17 unanswered points.
The Rebels got on the board when sophomore Rodelin Anthony sliced through the middle for a 31-yard reception. Following an Aztec three and out, the Rebels got the ball back and marched right down the field punching the ball on a 17-yard run by Channing Trotter. The Rebels would inch closer following an Aguayo field goal early in the 4th quarter. UNLV would get no closer…the ensuing kickoff was returned 89 yards by Mekell Wesley.
Midway through the 4th quarter Dixon threw his second touchdown pass of the night with a 13 yard pass to Casey Flair who was in the corner of the end-zone. Flair extended his reception streak to 33 games moving him to seventh all time on the career reception list with 144. The dagger came 1:55 as Martell Fantroy picked off Dixon and returned it 55 yards sealing the win. The Rebels closed off the scoring with a meaningless touchdown as the game winded down. Dixon connected for his 3rd TD toss of the night to Anthony.
The running game finished with 2745 yards, 178 of those belonging to Summers who eclipsed the century mark for the fourth time this season. Summers however was not able to find the end-zone.
Senior linebacker Beau Belle continued his All-American play notching his fourth interception of the season, which leads the team. Belle would finish with nine tackles placing him fifth all time in UNLV history, sixth in the Mountain West, with 297.
The Rebels dropped to 1-13 in the month of November since 2003 further indicating the futility of the program. UNLV will be on the road for their final two games. A win in either match would be the most the program has had during the Sanford era and perhaps an excellent way to end another botched restoration attempt in Rebel football.
Chaz Schilens makes a catch on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter
Chaz Schilens celebrates with Kevin O’Connell after Schilens scoring a touchdown in the first quarter.
San Diego State defensive lineman Nick Osborn celebrates after taking down UNLV quarterback Travis Dixon.
Kevin O’Connell drops back to pass during the first half of San Diego State’s 38-30 win.
Brandon Bornes slips past UNLV defensive backs Mil’Von James and Shane Horton for a touchdown.
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