Turnovers ruin the the night for the Rebels against the Aztecs

Despite having starting quarterback Doug Brumfield back after a few weeks in the concussion protocol, the UNLV Rebels were unable to defeat the SDSU Aztecs. With their fourth consecutive loss, the Rebels drop to 4-5 on the season and 2-3 in Mountain West conference play.

The Rebels and Aztecs exchanged six punts and an interception in the first quarter, indicating that the game would probably feature both teams battling defensively. Aztecs QB Jalen Mayden connected with WR Jesse Matthews for a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put the first points on the board.

For the rest of the half, the Rebel offense was shut down, in large part due to fumbling twice within minutes during the second quarter. Brumfield was the first to fumble, and a few series later, WR Ricky White would lose the ball following a significant gain.

Coming out of half, the Aztec offense would increase their lead after Mayden connected with TE Mark Redman for a 24-yard touchdown. On the ensuing drive, the Rebel offense ran the entire length of the field and was in a great position to reduce the deficit. An interception from Brumfield in the end zone ended their drive.

The Rebel defense stopped the Aztec offense in the following drive. This set up a 70-yard Brumfield touchdown pass to WR Nick Williams. As the Aztecs’ lead was reduced to 14-7, the Rebels had a chance. The Rebels had an opportunity to tie the game after an Aztec field goal went wide. Brumfield and company made a drive down the field, but Brumfield’s second red zone interception put an end to it.

Even after the interception, the Aztecs went for it on fourth down in their own territory and failed, which gave the Rebel offense another chance to potentially tie the game. The Rebels would stall out and have to settle for a field goal, which was the last score of the game. The Rebel defense had a last chance to try to get the ball back for their offense. On third down with the game on the line, Aztec RB Jaylon Armstead picked up 14 yards to put the game away.

Key Performers

• WR Nick Williams led the team with 94 receiving yards and had the sole touchdown of the game
• LB Austin Ajiake led the team with 9 total tackles. He also had one tackle for loss and a sack.
• DL Adam Plant Jr. finished with 7 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss.
• DL Jalen Dixon totaled 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and a team high 4.5 tackles for loss.

The Rebels now drop to fourth in their side of the Mountain West standings. They look to bounce back on Nov. 11 as they host the Fresno State Bulldogs at Allegiant Stadium.