Rebels fall to Air Force, 35-20

Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson ran for three touchdowns and threw for another to lead the Falcons to a 35-20 win over UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium on Thursday night.

The Rebels held a 17-14 edge at halftime in their home finale, but failed to capitalize on an Air Force turnover early in the third quarter.

Jefferson fumbled on the third snap after halftime and UNLV took over on the Falcons' 21.

The Rebels couldn't get a first down, however, and gave Air Force the ball back after gaining 2 yards on a fourth-and-three play.

The Falcons seized momentum from the defensive stand and scored two quick touchdowns to take over the game.

UNLV got back within 28-20 on a Nolan Kohorst field goal, but Jefferson answered with the only score of the fourth quarter on a 2-yard run on the next possession.

The Air Force quarterback ran for 61 yards and completed 7 of 9 passes for 112 yards.

Omar Clayton was 18-for-30 for 223 yards and a touchdown for the Rebels, but his first-quarter interception led to an early Falcons' touchdown.

Phillip Payne caught two passes for 61 yards and a score, and Tim Cornett had 68 yards and a touchdown on the ground as the Rebels opened a short-lived 17-7 lead.