Graney: Crazy and hectic, UNLV puts on a show in win over Utah State

Dan Mullen wants his UNLV football team to be known as the best show in town.

Well, it certainly makes things interesting.

It was crazy in so many ways, this 29-26 double-overtime victory against Utah State on Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium.

But good teams find a way to win when things are so hectic. Good teams overcome it all and make the biggest plays at the most important of times. That was UNLV (8-2, 4-2 MW).

And it was all sorts of fortunate, too.

“What a great win for our guys,” Mullen said. “That’s what makes this team so fun to be around. They do things like this. They find ways at the most critical moments, and it’s different people all the time.”

The game-winner came on wide receiver Kayden McGee’s run from 25 yards out in the second overtime.

This is exactly what Mullen is referring to.

Different guys at different times.

Number called

McGee before Saturday had zero catches and just one run on the season. Against the Aggies (5-5, 3-3), he led UNLV with three rushes for 54 yards and the decisive touchdown on a night leading rusher Jai’Den “Jet” Thomas sat out with an injured hamstring.

“Just like Coach Mullen says — you never know when your number is going to be called,” McGee said. “You have to be ready to deliver when it is. I think I’m pretty fast, but I just trusted my guys on the (last play).”

The defense that has been so scrutinized over the course of a season again came up big when it needed to most. Late in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The defense that has ranked near or at the bottom of most statistical categories across the league held Utah State to a 44-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation and a 41-yard attempt in the first overtime. Both were missed.

The defense that has been so shaky for most of 10 games bent (a lot) but didn’t break in the end. It produced seven sacks, the team’s most since 2021.

UNLV was certainly helped by the fact Utah State kicker Tanner Rinker missed three field goals and an extra point on the evening. This, a young man who was 10 of 10 on field goals coming in. Lady Luck smiled on the Rebels.

Yeah. Things were nutty.

You will also see better officiated games at the Pop Warner level. There were several missed calls and confusion on rules. Both teams had reason to gripe.

“I’ve got to watch what I say here,” Mullen said. “I’ll be honest — I’ve been pleased with officiating in this league all year long. All I ask for is consistency because that lets players play. If you’re going to call it tight, call it tight. If you’re going to call it loose, call it loose. There were some crazy things that went on out there. You just have to go to the next play.”

I don’t know where UNLV would be without quarterback Anthony Colandrea. Definitely not at 8-2 overall.

He again made huge plays Saturday, throwing for 277 yards and a score and running for 29 more and a touchdown.

What this kid does in the open field is something.

What he comes up with — the creativity — in key spots is terrific.

Up next: Hawaii

So now he and his teammates have a short week to prepare for a Hawaii team that will be coming off a bye. Another high-octane offense with which to engage. Another chance for some hectic but exciting moments.

Although it’s pretty hard to top a double-overtime victory.

“Shame on you if you missed this because you’re not going to get a better show in Vegas than if you had been here at Allegiant Stadium,” Mullen said. “(This) week is also a big week. You have ‘Monday Night Football’ with the Cowboys and Raiders. You have the F1 race. I’m sure there are concerts everywhere.

“But you also get to see the Rebels play Friday night (at 7:30) against Hawaii. And you’re probably going to see the best show.”

I’m not sure it can be any crazier than this one.

But that’s what good teams do. They somehow find a way. Fortunate and all.

Ed Graney, a Sigma Delta Chi Award winner for sports column writing, can be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com. Follow @edgraney on X.