UNLV’s third straight bowl appearance ended in frustration. The Rebels were able to hold Ohio’s defense pretty well, but a pair of first-half turnovers and an excellent performance from Ohio running back
Sieh Bangura handed the Rebels a 17-10 loss on Tuesday night.
Offense
Christmas didn’t come early for the Rebels. UNLV was efficient in moving the ball early, but wasn’t able to finish drives.
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw 19-for-30 for 184 yards with an interception and scored UNLV’s only touchdown on a 4th-and-2 scamper. Running back Jai’Den Thomas led UNLV on the ground with 51 yards.
UNLV had a big opportunity after defensive back Laterrance Welch picked off Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro at their own 3-yard line. UNLV then drove down the field with wide receiver Jaden Bradley hauling in a 23-yard catch and wide receiver JoJo Earle grabbing a 21-yard ball. The Rebels were threatening until Colandrea was hit and fumbled the ball, and defensive end Isaac Ackerman recovered it.
In the second quarter, UNLV threatened once again after tight end Nick Elksnis had an 18-yard completion. Colandrea then forced a ball near the goal line, and DJ Walker picked it off with 32 seconds left in the half. Instead of going into halftime with points, UNLV was left scoreless at halftime for the first time all season.
UNLV finally broke through in the third quarter after Ohio muffed a punt, wide receiver Kayden McGee recovered it, but even with the short field, UNLV couldn’t reach the endzone. Ramon Vilela knocked down a 50-yard field goal to make it 14-3.
After Ohio took the lead 17-3, UNLV finally put together its best drive. Bradley fumbled the kickoff, but it was recovered, and the Rebels turned that into a 79-yard touchdown drive. Colandrea’s legs did the dirty work with a 17-yard run and then his touchdown score.
That was the last time the Rebels’ offense touched the ball. UNLV finished the game with 281 yards of total offense and two turnovers.
Defense
UNLV’s defense was great in the air, holding Navarro to only 143 passing yards, but struggled heavily on the ground.
Bangura was the difference maker for the Bobcats. He had 149 rushing yards on 19 carries, averaging 7.8 yards per carry, and scored a touchdown. Bangura was unstoppable, breaking off runs of 27, 31, and 23 yards, which he ran into the end zone in the third quarter to make it 14-0.
The highlight for the defense was Welch picking off Navarro at UNLV’s 3-yard line to stop an Ohio drive that was intimidating.
Linebacker Marsel McDuffie led the Rebels in tackles with nine total, including five solo, and he recovered a fumble.
The Rebels forced Ohio to turn the ball over three different times, but UNLV still failed to capitalize on the opportunities.
The game was iced in the fourth quarter after Ohio went on a lengthy drive that chewed up the clock, ending with a 45-yard field goal to make it 17-3.
What’s Next?
UNLV closes the 2025 season at 10-4. Next season, the Mountain West conference will look completely different with Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State, and Colorado State all leaving for the Pac-12. This opens up brand new opportunities for the Rebels to compete in the Mountain West for years to come.
