The Aztecs were unable to hold yet another late lead and the Rebels got revenge on SDSU for last season's loss that prevented UNLV from becoming bowl eligible. This season, although neither team had a chance to become bowl eligible, the Rebels wounded the moral of an Aztec team that was hoping to end the season on a high note. Although it seemed as though the Aztecs had improved from last season, the results in the win column really stayed the same. For UNLV, coach Sanford's last game after being fired was bittersweet. He was able to rally his team from a 17 point second-half deficit and ended his team's season on a high note despite a rough year. The Aztecs finish 4-8 while the Rebels finish 5-7; the Aztecs add two wins from last year's total and the Rebels repeat last year's performance.
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After blowing a 21 point 4 QTR lead against Wyoming, now the Aztecs blow a 17 point 3 QTR lead against UNLV. Ryan Lindley threw 2 interceptions, including one that was returned for a TD, and place kicker Lane Yoshida missed a FG. Some people may now call SDSU's coach Brady (c)Hoke until he proves otherwise. On a positive note, RB Walter Kazee amassed 106 yards on the ground which is a welcome change to the Aztecs usual tepid rushing offense. QB Lindley did throw for 341 yards and a TD including 106 and a TD to WR Roberto Wallace. The Aztec offense stalled after the half managing only 3 points in the final two quarters. They moved the ball well but were unable to turn that into points for one reason or another. The offense managed 445 yards of offense and outperformed the Rebels in most categories in the box score but that ultimately didn't turn into a win. Although the defense managed two interceptions including one for a score from Luke Laolongi, they weren't capable of playing a full game or at least a consistent one. They consistently forced UNLV into third downs but then gave up huge plays time and time again. Coach Hoke hopes to get some of his recruits into the system next season and teach his team how to limit mistakes and play more consistent football. Look for the Aztecs to play in a bowl next season.
QB Omar Clayton threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Phillip Payne with 1:24 to play to give the Rebels a win avenging last season's final game loss to SDSU that prevented the Rebels from playing in a bowl game. UNLV place kicker Kyle Watson missed a field goal with 3:29 to play that would have tied the game. The Rebels then forced the Aztecs to stall and to punt and the received the ball near midfield. The Rebels were able to drive down-field and punch it into the end-zone with ease and then stop a last minute bid by SDSU to win the game. Terrance Lee trimmed the deficit to three points in the initial minute of the fourth quarter with a interception return for a TD. The defense was able to come out in the second half and stop the Aztecs when it counted and allowed the offense to get them back into the game. The Rebels will spend the off-season looking for a new head coach and figuring out how to move forward and improve the team. A strong recruiting class will go a long way toward UNLV's bowl hopes for next season.