UNLV not good enough in loss to Memphis — PHOTOS

UNLV fell short in its Week 0 showdown against Memphis, losing 27‑21 at Allegiant Stadium before a crowd of 31,284. Jackson Arnold, the Auburn transfer making his first start for the Rebels, completed 274 yards through the air and added 70 yards on the ground. After halftime, new Memphis head coach Charles Huff’s adjustments sparked two touchdowns in eight plays, tying the game at 21‑21 midway through the third quarter. Memphis took a 24‑21 lead into the final period and stretched it to 27‑21 with 12:11 remaining. UNLV drove to the Memphis 18-yard line with under 6:30 left, opted to go for it on fourth‑and‑7, and saw Arnold sacked. He was sacked again on third down from his own 31-yard line on the ensuing possession. Although the contest was anticipated to be a high‑scoring affair—opening at 60 points before settling at 56.5—the teams exchanged scoreless quarters to start. UNLV got on the board midway through the second quarter when Arnold connected with Tavian McNair on a 38‑yard touchdown pass down the right sideline, capping a nine‑play, 86‑yard drive that consumed 4:30. Memphis answered with a 7‑play, 75‑yard march in 2:50, finished by a 16‑yard toss from Marcus Stokes to tight end Tipton Hunter. The Rebels reclaimed the lead when Arnold plunged into the end zone from six yards out for a 14‑7 advantage. UNLV had another chance before the break after recovering a Memphis fumble at the Tigers’ 48‑yard line, but the drive stalled at the 6‑yard line and placekicker Ramon Villela missed a 32‑yard field‑goal attempt as the quarter expired. This is simply a processing story. Check backmost for updates.