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Photo Credit - UNLV Athletics
UNLV’s Homecoming turned into one of the season’s wildest games. The Rebels beat Air Force 51-48 in front of 32,932 fans. UNLV’s offense delivered big plays when it mattered. The defense struggled to slow down the Falcons’ option attack, leaving the game undecided until the final seconds.
The Trap Game Reality
In college football, a “trap game” is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Teams riding high can be susceptible to opponents that seem beatable on paper. UNLV knew the stakes: Air Force is disciplined, patient, and punishing on the ground and was ready to exploit any lapse in focus.
Quarter-by-Quarter Drama
1st Quarter:
The Rebels wasted no time asserting its identity. With a quarterback scramble by Anthony Colandrea, the scoring was opened by UNLV. Immediately, the Falcons responded. Driving right down the field on their first drive, Cade Harris powered through the UNLV defensive line for a short touchdown run, making it clear that the game would be a battle of wills from the first whistle. Whoever had the ball last wins the game.
2nd Quarter:
The Falcons’ ground game clicked. Owen Allen broke off two long runs, giving Air Force a 21-13 halftime lead. Colandrea kept the Rebels close, connecting on a 56-yard strike to Jaden Bradley and a 19-yard pass to DaeDae Reynolds, setting up the stage for the second half.
3rd Quarter:
The Rebels’ defense sparked the first momentum shift. Linebacker Marsel McDuffie scooped a fumble at the 16-yard line, leading directly to a touchdown pass from Bradley to Var’Keyes Gumms on a trick play. Air Force responded with Allen’s 43-yard run and a Szarka to Bruin Fleischmann touchdown. Colandrea wasn’t done; he rolled right and fired an 86-yard touchdown pass to Reynolds. The stadium erupted as the wild momentum swing gave UNLV a 29-28 lead.
4th Quarter:
The final quarter was a seesaw. Keyvone Lee powered in on a 2-yard run to reclaim the lead. Jet Thomas ripped off a 51-yard touchdown run. Rebel fans were sent into a frenzy. Harris’ 4-yard touchdown run for Air Force made it 48-44. With 36 seconds remaining and UNLV back in possession, Colandrea scrambled 19 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Air Force’s final 40-yard field goal attempt missed wide right. Victory. Relief. Euphoria.
Stars of the Game
UNLV Offense:
Anthony Colandrea (QB): 361 passing yards, 62 rushing yards, three total touchdowns, including the game-winning scramble.
Jet Thomas (RB): 88 rushing yards, 51-yard touchdown run, 58 receiving yards.
DaeDae Reynolds (WR): 139 receiving yards, including an 86-yard touchdown that shifted momentum.
UNLV Defense:
Marsel McDuffie (LB): 12 total tackles, 3 solo, and a fumble recovery that led directly to a touchdown, arguably the game’s most pivotal defensive play.
A. Powdrell (DB): 13 total tackles, 6 solo, plus half a tackle for loss. A consistent presence in run support and pass coverage.
J. Pope (DB): 11 total tackles, 5 solo, anchoring the secondary and helping slow Air Force’s option attack.
Air Force Offense:
Liam Szarka (QB): 175 passing yards, 136 rushing yards, three total touchdowns.
Owen Allen (FB): 192 rushing yards, two long touchdown runs, forcing UNLV into constant high-pressure situations.
Air Force Defense:
B. Fletcher (LB): 10 total tackles, the most active player for the Falcons’ front seven.
D. Daley (LB): 7 total tackles, 2 solo, and a pass breakup, key in disrupting UNLV’s passing rhythm.
M. Mustell (DB): 6 total tackles, 4 solo, providing a solid presence in the secondary and helping contain big plays when possible.
The Takeaway
UNLV’s offense carried the team, producing highlight-reel plays and refusing to fold under pressure. While opportunistic at moments, most notably McDuffie’s fumble recovery, the defense struggled to contain Air Force’s option attack, recording 603 total yards, including 428 on the ground. Air Force’s efficiency forced UNLV to execute every play with precision, and the Rebels responded with explosive plays and timely heroics. Luckily for UNLV, the team with the ball last didn't win the game.
Closing Moments
Coach Dan Mullen praised his team’s resilience:
"We had the least number of returning starters in America coming into the season. I give a lot of credit to the leadership, the older guys on the team, bringing in all the new faces like Ant, and everyone coming together."
UNLV walked off the field undefeated and bowl eligible. The Rebels survived a true Homecoming trap game. The afternoon offered both moments of brilliance and reminders of vulnerability. These are lessons that will shape the Rebels as the Mountain West season unfolds.
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