UNLV’s defense gave up 555 yards (395 passing, 160 rushing) but made the game’s defining plays, forcing four interceptions and creating enough disruption to hold off Idaho State 38–31. Here’s how the unit graded out, blending PFF analytics with the official box score.
Defensive Line (Via - PFF)
Tunmise Adeleye
Box Score: 2 tackles (0.5 TFL).
PFF: 70.8 DEF · 68.7 Run D · 66.9 Pass Rush (48 snaps).Highest-graded lineman. While he didn’t stuff the stat sheet, Adeleye consistently set the edge and pressured.
Chief Borders
Box Score: 2 assists, 2 QB hurries.
PFF: 62.8 DEF · 61.1 Run D · 60.3 Pass Rush (67 snaps).High-volume edge presence. Reliable but lacked splash.
Jalen Lee
Box Score: 2 assists.
PFF: 62.1 DEF · 67.0 Run D · 54.9 Pass Rush (56 snaps).Sturdy anchor in the middle, limited interior cutbacks.
Lucas Conti
Box Score: 3 tackles (0.5 TFL).
PFF: 64.0 DEF · 59.7 Run D · 64.2 Pass Rush (54 snaps).Solid as a young DT, flashed on 35 pass-rush reps.
Ose Egbase
Box Score: 2 assists (0.5 TFL).
PFF: 55.4 DEF · 39.2 Run D · 74.6 Pass Rush (36 snaps).Boom-or-bust: disruptive as a rusher, but beaten in the run game.
Cohen Fuller / Jordan Eubanks / Isaiah Patterson / Kamuela Ka’aihue
Box score rotation contributors. Ka’aihue added 0.5 TFL.
Linebackers (Via - PFF)
Marsel McDuffie
Box Score: 6 tackles (3 solo, 1 TFL), 1 sack (11 yds), 1 INT (10 yd return).
PFF: 78.7 DEF · 79.5 Run D · 63.8 Pass Rush · 72.7 Coverage (74 snaps).UNLV’s top defender. His sack and interception were momentum changers, earning him one of the best LB grades in the country.
Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu
Box Score: 6 tackles (2 solo, 0.5 TFL).
PFF: 73.9 DEF · 69.0 Run D · 76.2 Coverage (71 snaps).Excellent in space. Coverage grade led all Mountain West LBs in Week 0.
Donovan Spellman
Box Score: no standout stats.
PFF: 45.5 DEF · 48.1 Run D (22 snaps).Struggled in limited duty, particularly against the run.
Justin Flowe
Box Score: 4 tackles, 0.5 TFL.Not graded in your PFF set, but an impact rotational piece downhill.
Secondary (Via - PFF)
Laterrance Welch
Box Score: 2 INTs (27 yards), 1 PBU.
PFF: 64.1 DEF · 63.7 Coverage · 62.0 Run D (52 snaps).The ultimate playmaker. Gave up catches, but his two interceptions swung the game.
Aamaris Brown
Box Score: 8 tackles (6 solo), 1 INT (-2 yards), 2 PBUs.
PFF: 60.8 DEF · 60.7 Coverage · 55.8 Run D (79 snaps).Ironman in the slot. Targeted heavily but came up with a key interception and multiple breakups.
Jaheem Joseph
Box Score: 4 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 PBU.
PFF: 66.5 DEF · 76.3 Coverage · 55.1 Run D (33 snaps).UNLV’s best coverage safety. His 76.3 grade stood out nationally.
Jake Pope
Box Score: 10 tackles (6 solo), 1 PBU.
PFF: 64.2 DEF · 71.0 Coverage · 42.0 Run D (74 snaps).Workhorse safety. Strong in coverage, but missed tackles hurt his run grade.
Andrew Powdrell
Box Score: 4 tackles.
PFF: 60.0 DEF · 62.1 Coverage · 47.6 Run D (59 snaps).Solid in coverage, softer against the run.
Tre Fulton
Box Score: 2 solo tackles.
PFF: 57.8 DEF · 63.2 Coverage · 39.9 Run D (60 snaps).Thrown into heavy action; steady in coverage, shaky in run support.
Quandarius Keyes
Box Score: 2 PBUs.
PFF: 66.0 DEF · 65.5 Coverage · 61.3 Run D (31 snaps).Quiet but effective on the perimeter.
Denver Harris
Box Score: 2 tackles.
PFF: 51.9 DEF · 51.0 Coverage · 61.5 Run D (26 snaps).Struggled in coverage, targeted often by ISU.
Unit Summary
Yards Allowed: 555 (395 pass, 160 rush).
Takeaways: 4 INTs (Welch 2, McDuffie 1, Brown 1).
Sacks/TFLs: 1 sack (McDuffie), 6.5 TFL spread across front seven.
Stars: McDuffie (sack + INT), Welch (2 INTs), Brown (INT, 2 PBUs).
Concerns: Run defense efficiency (6.4 YPC allowed) and Harris’ coverage struggles.
This defense was far from airtight, but the opportunistic turnovers were the difference. Against Sam Houston in Week 1, sharper tackling and perimeter coverage discipline will be critical.