Rebels rebound from Howard loss with 44-16 win at Idaho
MOSCOW, Idaho — A week ago, UNLV was the laughingstock of the nation, losing as a 45-point favorite to Howard.
A week later, the Rebels saved their football season with a statement-making victory.
With Lexington Thomas rushing for three touchdowns and a career-best 190 yards and Devonte Boyd’s record-setting 94-yard scoring catch, the Rebels stunned Idaho 44-16 on Saturday at the Kibbie Dome.
The victory after a shocking 43-40 loss to Howard gives UNLV (1-1) a lot to build upon heading into its bye. The Rebels then play at Ohio State on Sept. 23, an expected loss. But at least UNLV now has a more realistic shot at the postseason after beating Idaho (1-1).
“We took a hell of a blow last week,” UNLV coach Tony Sanchez said. “It was hard getting out of bed last week early on. The way our kids showed up and the way they believed in themselves, they just went right back to work. They didn’t make excuses. They didn’t listen to the noise.
“I tell you what, it’s all about the boys. They did a great job today.”
Thomas’ previous best was 160 yards last season against Idaho. His scoring runs Saturday were from 1, 60 and 62 yards. Overall, UNLV ran for 357 yards.
Boyd’s long TD catch from quarterback Armani Rogers topped the previous school mark of 87 yards from Carlton Kelley to Henry Vereen against Northern Arizona in 1977. Boyd had two catches for 103 yards — his school record-setting 13th career 100-yard game.
Rogers, a redshirt freshman, picked up his first career victory. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 193 yards and rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
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Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.
