Wyoming defeats UNLV 41-35 on late-game stops and rushing touchdowns

Wyoming defeated UNLV 41-35 on Saturday night in Las Vegas, securing the win after stopping a late Rebel rally. The Cowboys relied on a rushing attack that gained 238 combined yards to maintain their lead.

Wyoming took the initial lead in the first quarter when kicker Erik Sandvik converted a field goal with 5:02 remaining, breaking a 7-7 tie. Early in the second quarter, running back Samuel Harris scored from the one-yard line. With 6:42 left before halftime, reserve quarterback Landon Sims connected with Jake Wilson on an 18-yard pass to extend the Wyoming lead to 24-7.

UNLV responded in the final four and a half minutes of the first half. Quarterback Jackson Arnold threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Kayden McGee. Later, following a Wyoming fumble, Arnold passed an 8-yard score to Taz Reddicks. This sequence reduced the UNLV deficit to 24-21 with 1:55 left in the half.

Wyoming extended the margin in the final minute of the half. Sims ran a 13-yard touchdown, and Sandvik kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired. The Cowboys entered the third quarter leading 34-21.

The game remained close as UNLV scored twice in the late third and early fourth quarters. The Rebels fell 41-21 but scored touchdowns with 22 seconds left in the third quarter and with 8:32 remaining in the fourth. Wyoming defender Tyson Shamsid-Deen secured the victory with his second interception of the game, picking off reserve quarterback Alex Orji in the end zone.

On the subsequent play, Markell Holman ran left, broke four tackles, and reversed field for a 49-yard gain. The Cowboys then allowed the clock to expire. Holman finished with 110 rushing yards, while Harris accumulated 128 yards and two touchdowns.

Wyoming improves to 6-3 on the season and 5-1 in Mountain West play. UNLV drops to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in conference games. Both teams travel next Saturday. Wyoming plays at UTEP, while UNLV heads to New Mexico to face New Mexico.