Missed reception serves as turning point in UNLV loss to SJSU

TURNING POINT

Even though UNLV receiver Marcus Sullivan made several impressive catches on Saturday, it will be a routine pass he couldn’t reel in that will likely be his lasting memory from the 34-24 home loss to San Jose State.

The Rebels had cut what had been a 21-point halftime lead for the Spartans to just seven points and were driving for what they hoped would be a tying score early in the fourth quarter when all the momentum shifted back to San Jose State.

Sullivan broke open across the middle and Caleb Herring put a pass right on his numbers, but Sullivan bobbled the ball and it was intercepted by San Jose State’s Forrest Hightower.

The Spartans extended the lead to 31-17 six plays later on a perfectly-executed draw play on third-and-seven from the UNLV 37 that Thomas Tucker broke for a touchdown.

UNLV was never in a position to tie the game again.

Sullivan, a junior from Cheyenne High School, also had a shot to make a spectacular play in the end zone with two minutes remaining in the game, but his diving attempt came up just short.

He finished the game with six catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.