Rebels back in the game due to Wolf Pack’s sloppy play
RENO — UNR appeared on the verge of blowing out UNLV, but the Rebels got back in the football game when the Wolf Pack forgot to hold onto the ball.
Wolf Pack quarterback Colin Kaepernick lost two fumbles and tailback Luke Lippincott lost one, allowing the Rebels to rally from a 21-7 deficit to tie the game at 21 at halftime.
UNLV tailback Channing Trotter's 1-yard touchdown run with 15 seconds left tied the score.
UNR looked unstoppable early, scoring on its first three drives to take apparent command. But the Wolf Pack entered the game with a minus-9 turnover margin, and a mistake-free UNLV took advantage.
Rebels safety Travis Dixon forced two of the fumbles, and safety Chris Jones jarred the other one loose.
The Wolf Pack dominated statistically, outgaining the Rebels 288 yards to 197. Kaepernick rushed for 105 yards and passed for 79.
But quarterback Mike Clausen's passing helped keep UNLV in the game. He completed 13 of 25 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown.
NO CLAYTON
Usual starting quarterback Omar Clayton did not play in the first half. He has been bothered by an injured throwing shoulder, but was expected to play if not start. Because he hasn't taken the field and Clausen has been effective, coaches might not play Clayton in the second half to make sure he properly recovers.
NO RUNNING GAME
The Rebels abandoned the running game most of the second quarter, at least involving tailbacks. Trotter rushed for a 2-yard touchdown with 14:28 left in the quarter, and no tailback got a carry until Trotter's TD run right at the end of the half. Most of the running game was on Clausen scrambles and keepers.
