LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jack Layne threw three touchdown passes, D.J. McKinney scored the winning touchdown with 3 minutes to go, and New Mexico defeated UNLV 40-35 on Saturday.
The Lobos (6-3, 3-2 Mountain West) saw leads of 21-0 in the first half and 34-21 in the third quarter disappear before McKinney scored the go-ahead touchdown with 3 minutes remaining.
UNLV took a 35-34 lead with 6 1/2 minutes left in the game when Anthony Colandrea hit Nick Elksnis with a 14-yard touchdown pass, but the Lobos drove 75 yards in eight plays for McKinney's big touchdown.
Layne completed 17 of 22 passes for 342 yards and his QB rating was 243.8. James Laubstein was 2-of-3 passing for 29 yards and added 99 yards rushing. Keagan Johnson had 158 yards receiving and Damon Bankston had 122.
Colandrea threw for 382 yards on 36-for-46 passing with three touchdowns for the Rebels (6-2, 2-2).
Layne and Laubstein each threw early touchdown passes, and Layne had an 84-yard TD pass to Bankston for a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.
UNLV then rallied behind a Colandrea touchdown pass, a Keyvone Lee TD run and a 25-yard pick-6 by Quandarius Keyes.
New Mexico went back ahead on another long pass by Layne, this one an 80-yard touchdown connection with Johnson, and the Lobos led 31-21 at halftime.
The Lobos held the lead until midway through the fourth quarter, then were forced to rally for the winning score.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
-
UNLV Rebels feel holiday spirit at opening postseason practice for upcoming game
The Fertitta Football Complex had holiday music blaring as the UNLV Football felt festive preparing for their upcoming bowl game.
UNLV fans reflect on program’s revival after Mountain West Championship loss
UNLV fans say pride outweighs disappointment after the Rebels’ Mountain West title loss, pointing to the program’s dramatic rise from past struggles and a newfound belief in the team’s future.
Boise State overtakes UNLV 38-21 for third straight Mountain West championship
Boise State claimed its third straight Mountain West Conference championship, overpowering UNLV 38–21 on Saturday.
UNLV Football ready to win conference title
For the third straight year, UNLV Football is facing Boise State for the Mountain West championship.
