There was a lot at stake for the No. 24 UNLV Rebels (8-2) when they faced the San Jose State Spartans (6-4) in a Mountain West battle on Friday at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, California.
The Rebels entered this game knowing their conference title game appearance was on the line. They had momentum behind them, having won four of their last five games.
As for the Spartans, they had secured bowl eligibility but came into this game looking to rebound from a blowout loss against Ashton Jeanty's Boise State Broncos.
Though the Rebels were favorites on paper, it seemed the pressure got to them in the first half. San Jose State had a 16-10 lead going into the break courtesy of a 16-point second quarter. However, the Rebels stitched two great quarters after the break, rendering the Spartans scoreless and sealing a 27-16 win.
UNLV vs San Jose State: Box Score
UNLV Rebels stats
San Jose State Spartans stats
UNLV vs San Jose State Game Summary
The UNLV Rebels had a strong second half to overhaul a six-point deficit and claim a 27-16 victory.
1st Quarter:
UNLV opened the scoring with a 31-yard field goal by Caden Chittenden.
Score: UNLV 3, San José State 0.
2nd Quarter:
San José State responded with a defensive score, as Isiah Revis returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown.
UNLV regained the lead on a five-yard touchdown pass from Hajj-Malik Williams to Kaleo Ballungay, capping a 13-play drive.
San José State struck back with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Walker Eget to Matthew Coleman. The Spartans added a team safety near the end of the half.
Halftime Score: San José State 16, UNLV 10.
3rd Quarter:
UNLV narrowed the deficit with a 52-yard field goal by Chittenden.
Late in the quarter, UNLV took the lead with a 25-yard touchdown run by Jai'Den Thomas, capping a quick five-play drive.
Score: UNLV 20, San José State 16.
4th Quarter:
UNLV extended its lead with a seven-yard touchdown run by Kylin James after an efficient 13-play, 80-yard drive.
Final Score: UNLV 27, San José State 16.
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