On November 22, 2024, the UNLV Rebels faced off against the San Jose State Spartans under challenging weather conditions. Playing at CEFCU Stadium, the Rebels emerged victorious with a gritty 27-16 win, securing their place as serious contenders for the Mountain West Championship and potentially the College Football Playoff.
The matchup was significant for the Rebels, ranked 23rd nationally, as they continued to build momentum for the end of their season. The cold rain and gusty winds created obstacles for both teams, but the Rebels showcased resilience and determination. With the stakes high, each play and every score mattered more than usual.
Right from the start, the game had its ups and downs. The Spartans struck first with sophomore linebacker Isiah Revis making headlines by intercepting a pass and returning it 40 yards for a touchdown. This early momentum put San Jose State up 7-0, and the crowd burst with excitement. Revis's intelligent play showcased the defensive capabilities of the Spartans, who had much to prove.
But the Rebels bounced back quickly. Jai'Den Thomas, the standout sophomore running back, answered back with authority, rushing for three touchdowns throughout the night, one of which was a spectacular 25-yard run to give UNLV the lead after falling behind.
Head coach Barry Odom praised Thomas after the game, highlighting the importance of his performance. “He’s our engine. He shows up when it matters most,” Odom said of the running back, who put forth 135 rushing yards. This type of performance under such conditions surely adds to his growing reputation.
Despite the leading momentum, the Spartans refused to back down. They managed to rally and respond, forcing offensive plays and keeping the score close. They tied the game at 13-13, but the Rebels maintained their focus and eventually closed out the game strong, thanks to another touchdown from Thomas and several key defensive stops.
With the win, UNLV now finds itself tied for second place in the Mountain West Conference, with their next game against the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) being equally significant. A victory next week would guarantee their place at the conference championship.
The Rebels have not only positioned themselves for the Mountain West title game but also kept their hopes alive for the inaugural College Football Playoff. Their recent win against San Jose State was complemented by the loss of Colorado State to Fresno State, which placed UNLV firmly on the radar.
The playoff picture is beginning to clarify. The Mountain West is represented by Boise State and UNLV as the top two teams, and with UNLV holding the tiebreaker over Colorado State due to their current ranking, they’re peering at the potential of playoff glory.
The players are aware of what’s at stake. Thomas stated, “We just want to keep winning. Every game is a stepping stone.”
Senior linebacker Jackson Woodard echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the hunger within the team to finish the season strong and seize every opportunity presented to them. “We know what’s out there. This motivates us to push through all the way,” said Woodard.
Moving forward, the Rebels' eyes are set on the conference championship game on December 6, where they may face Boise State again. Their previous encounter resulted in their only conference loss, and the team is eager to prove themselves this time.
San Jose State leaves the field with heads held high. Despite the loss, they have plenty of potential and talent on display. Their defensive efforts led by Revis were commendable, and the Spartans can look to build off this game for the following seasons as they strive for improvement.
Both teams have ignited hopes and excitement across their respective fanbases, promising thrilling narratives as the conference season wraps up and the bowl games approach. The Rebels' victory sheds light on their growing capabilities, and San Jose looks to rebound next season. With rains behind them, they’ll surely embrace the sunny days of more victories to come on the football field.
