No. 25 UNLV Rebels Fall to the Orange in OT

© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

On Oct, 4, the Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) faced the allure of Sin City and the No. 25 UNLV Rebels (4-1, 1-0 Mountain West Conference). The Orange handled the West Coast heatwave and the potent attack of the Rebels, winning 44-41 in overtime. Running back LeQuint Allen pushed his way into the end zone from a yard out, his fourth touchdown on the night, to give Syracuse the victory.

The Orange and Rebels Trade Blows

The Syracuse Orange opened the game with 14 unanswered points. Quarterback Kyle McCord carved up the Rebel secondary early in the first quarter as he and tight end Oronde Gadsden II found holes in the defense. McCord began the game 10-of-10 passing for 126 yards and a touchdown, showcasing why he is one the top passers in the country. The Orange also got early contributions from Allen, who entered the game as the Orange’s leading rusher and McCord’s second favorite target.

Despite falling behind early, the Rebels responded in the second quarter with an 8-play, 77-yard drive that ended with Kaleo Ballungay's TD catch. The drive caught life when running back Jai’den Thomas broke off a 42-yard run to put the Rebels in scoring position. The Rebel defense stepped up to force a quick three-and-out for the Orange. Two plays later, the Rebel offense was in the end zone again. After a huge 53-yard reception by wide receiver Ricky White III, QB Hajj-Maalik Williams beat the Orange defense to the pylon after an errant snap.

The Orange’s next drive did not show much promise and after six plays, the punt team was on the field for only the second time. The Rebel special teams unit, who had a huge punt block in last week’s win, decided it would also be their second time and blocked the Syracuse punt attempt. The Rebels again took two plays to capitalize on the turnover, scoring on a Williams pass to WR Casey Cain. It was Cain's first career TD.

The Orange converted a late field goal to pull within four points at halftime. UNLV led 21-17.

The Orange and Rebels Second Half

Things picked up as Syracuse opened the second half with a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Allen scored to end the drive, but freshman RB Yasin Willis controlled the drive with powerful, timely running. On the next drive for the Rebels, Williams’ pass bounced off his receiver’s hands and into the arms of defensive back Duce Chestnut. One play later, Willis scored his first collegiate TD to put the Orange up 31-21.

The Rebel offense responded, stringing together an 11-play, 73-yard drive. However, the Rebels' long drive stalled and only resulted in three points. On the Orange’s next drive, the Rebels' special teams unit stepped up. After the defense forced a Syracuse punt, White III got his second punt block in two weeks. This time, it landed in the end zone and was recovered by UNLV linebacker Charles Correa for a 31-31 tie.

Syracuse got the ball back, but McCord threw an interception to Jackson Woodard. The Rebels capitalized with a 10-play, 94-yard drive that ended with a White III TD and a 38-31 lead. Syracuse scored a needed TD on its final drive in regulation time. McCord completed timely passes, hitting Meeks for the TD. Allen came through with a clutch fourth-and-1 run.

Overtime saw UNLV and Syracuse battle it out. The Rebels scored a field goal on their first possession, taking a 41-38 lead. The Orange responded with key runs from Allen, including the game winner. But Syracuse took advantage of a roughing the passer penalty against UNLV. That gave Syracuse a new lease on life and it turned it into a 44-41 victory.

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Players of the Game

Syracuse Orange

Running back LeQuint Allen, who had 71 yards rushing and 58 yards receiving for 129 total yards and 4 TDs. 

UNLV Rebels

Quarterback Hajj-Maalik Williams, who was 21-of-25 passing for 227 yards and 3 TDs.

Looking Ahead

The Orange enter ACC play and this win bodes well for their confidence moving forward. Syracuse has a favorable schedule to possibly reach the ACC title game. Their toughest upcoming opponents include Boston College and Miami. Syracuse does not play a home game in October.

The Rebels’ loss will knock them out of The Associated Press Top 25. They are still in good standing to win the MWC title and make a bid for the Group of Five College Football Playoff spot. Their toughest remaining opponents include Boise State. UNLV also has to deal with the desert heat.