UNLV Stuns Kansas with Thrilling Second-Half Comeback Win

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In a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the UNLV Rebels avenged last year’s loss, defeating Kansas by a score of 23-20 on Sept. 13.

Unlike last year’s postseason contest, which was a 49-36 shootout, this game was considerably more of a defensive battle. Both offenses converted just 7 third downs on 25 attempts.

It was a tale of two halves as the Jayhawks got out to a 17-6 first-half lead but they struggled mightily in the second half. Kansas allowed the Rebels to creep back and ultimately take the lead with under 2 minutes to go in the game.

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka struggled with deep balls, failing to complete a single downfield pass. Sluka finished with just 86 passing yards. However, he led the Rebels in rushing with 113 yards on the ground.

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels completed 7 of his first 8 passes but only completed 5 more after that. For the game, Daniels was 12-of-24 passing for 153 passing yards and 2 interceptions.

Game Summary

The Kansas offense got off to a hot start, scoring on their first 3 offensive possessions, including 2 rushing touchdowns by Daniels.

Spurred on by safety Jalen Catalon’s third interception of the season, UNLV reached the end zone for the first time as time expired in the first half. Sluka found Jai'Den Thomas in the flat, and the running back ran 27 yards for the touchdown.

The Rebels took their first and only lead in the game with under 2 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, following a whirlwind 9:31 drive.

Starting on their own 25-yard line after a touchback, the Rebels steadily made their way down the field. Along the way, UNLV survived a wild fumble that seemed destined to end up in Kansas’ hands before being ultimately recovered by UNLV. The Rebels faced a fourth-and-1 on the Kansas 2-yard line.

UNLV Converts in Clutch

They successfully converted it by the barest of margins after a 1-yard run up the middle by Sluka. But UNLV was backed up to the 16-yard line following a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on Rebels lineman Will Thomas.

Facing what was essentially a third-and-long, Sluka again broke off a long run, bringing UNLV down to the 1-yard line. Running back Kylin James punched it in, giving the Rebels the lead for good.

The UNLV defense then put the final period on its statement victory, sacking Daniels on fourth-and-15 to force a turnover on downs.  

Significance

The Rebels are 3-0 for the first time since 1984 when Randall Cunningham was their starting quarterback. This is their second victory this season against a Big 12 Conference opponent, having already defeated Houston 27-7 in their opening game.

It was the third game of the “go-go offense” era for UNLV under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. Although there are some kinks that need to be worked out (namely Sluka's downfield passing struggles), it was impressive to watch the signal-caller lead his team in rushing and scramble his way out of trouble several times.

The Jayhawks drop to 1-2 on the season. It’s a disappointing start for a team that began the season in the Top 25 and is expected to compete for the Big 12 title.

Next on the Schedule

Next up, UNLV will take on Mountain West Conference opponent Fresno State at home on Sept. 28 with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. EST.

The Jayhawks will also begin their conference season next week, traveling to Morgantown, W.Va., to face the West Virginia Mountaineers on Sept. 21. Kickoff is at Noon EST.