LAS VEGAS — Hajj-Malik Williams showcased his versatility by throwing two touchdown passes and adding another rushing touchdown, leading No. 21 UNLV to a 38-14 victory over Nevada on Saturday.
With this win, the Rebels (10-2, 6-1 MW, currently ranked No. 22 in the CFP) have secured a spot in the Mountain West championship game against Boise State, who holds the No. 11 ranking in both the AP and CFP polls.
UNLV’s path to this championship was facilitated by No. 18 Tulane’s recent 34-24 defeat against Memphis, paving the way for a crucial clash with the Broncos that will have significant playoff implications.
Under the guidance of second-year head coach Barry Odom, UNLV continues to make impressive strides. Before Odom’s arrival, the program had only participated in four bowl games and is now heading to its second consecutive postseason appearance, a first in the program’s history. They have also achieved double-digit wins for only the third time ever, marking the first occurrence since 1984 when Randall Cunningham was the quarterback.
In the game against Nevada (3-10, 0-7), Williams completed 168 passing yards and rushed for 104 yards. Additionally, Jai’Den Thomas contributed significantly with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping UNLV dominate the ground game with a total of 351 rushing yards compared to Nevada’s mere 67.
Nevada’s quarterback, Brendon Lewis, managed 292 passing yards and threw two touchdowns, though he also tossed an interception.
This matchup marked the 50th encounter between the two teams, with UNLV preserving the Fremont Cannon for the third consecutive year—its longest winning streak against Nevada since a five-game stretch from 2000 to 2004 under coach John Robinson.
The pivotal moment in the game came during the second quarter when linebacker Jackson Woodard scored a defensive touchdown by recovering a fumble, followed by Thomas’s short touchdown run, giving the Rebels a commanding 24-7 lead at halftime.
The loss by Tulane has allowed UNLV a clear trajectory towards the College Football Playoff, raising their hopes significantly.
In terms of takeaways, Nevada struggled to meet its rushing average, ending the game significantly below expectations. For UNLV, after quarterback Matthew Sluka stepped down three games into the season due to an issue surrounding name, image, and likeness, Williams stepped in and elevated the team’s offensive performance instead of just maintaining it.
Looking ahead, UNLV is set to face Boise State in the Mountain West championship game this Friday, while Nevada’s season has officially concluded.