UNLV quarterback Jackson Arnold rebounded from a benching last week to lead the Rebels to a 21-17 upset of No. 23 New Mexico on Saturday night in Albuquerque. Arnold, who was replaced by Alex Orji in the second half of a loss to Wyoming, threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns while adding 98 rushing yards and a score on 14 carries.
The Auburn transfer struggled early, managing just 63 passing yards in the first half and losing a fumble on the Lobos' only sack. But he exploded after halftime, completing six passes for 143 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown strike to Kayden McGee. Arnold then broke a 44-yard run for the game-winning touchdown with the Rebels trailing 17-14.
"On that last touchdown that we had it wasn't even a quarterback draw," Arnold said during the postgame telecast. "It looked like it but the way they twisted up front and the way we had the play called I knew that I had the option to tell the running back to go block and go out and make a play."
The win snapped New Mexico's home winning streak dating to 2024 and marked the first time the nation's top-ranked total defense allowed more than 18 points this season. UNLV's defense held the Lobos to 88 yards in the second half and shut them out after a third-quarter field goal.
The victory makes UNLV bowl eligible for the fourth straight season and keeps the Rebels tied for third in the Mountain West standings at 6-3 overall. Arnold has now thrown for 1,738 yards and 15 touchdowns with six rushing scores through 10 starts.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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