UNLV Rebels Secure Thrilling Upset Victory Against Kansas Jayhawks
Salekin
Editor & Writer
Tenacity Wins Over UNLV Rebels, Kansas: A Unique Transformation Story
KANSAS CITY, Kansas – The road to victory won’t always be as difficult for UNLV, or the mercury in anxiety as high as it was Friday night. But the way the Rebels challenged their streak — and won — in a 23-20 upset of Kansas at Children’s Mercy Park may not be seen for a while.
A Transformative Moment
When it comes to turning a team’s program around and never looking back, events like Friday night are often seen as transformative moments, not just for the result, but for the obstacles they overcame on the field, against a strong opponent, in a match where the Rebels were trailing in almost every statistic.
Winning in Front of a Nationally Televised Audience and a Hostile Audience
The Rebels found a way to win in front of a national television audience and a hostile crowd – who at times were so raucous that it was almost impossible to communicate. As a result, they started the season with three straight wins for the first time since 1984.
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Coach Barry Odom’s Thoughts
UNLV’s head coach emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, relying on practiced skills, and taking the game one play at a time to secure victories in crucial moments.
A Strong Comeback After a Slow Start
The challenge for the Rebels isn’t just recovering from a 17-6 deficit or figuring out how to slow down the Kansas offense that shredded them on the ground and through the air in a frustrating first half.
It’s not just letting promising drives end without points or exchanging field goals for touchdowns.
When the Rebels look back on this win, it will be the game-winning drive that started at their 25-yard line with 11:25 left and ended with backup running back Kylin James’ second-attempt push from the 1-yard line to the goal line on fourth down to put UNLV up 23-20 with 1:55 left.
A collection of fourteen dramatic works and a subsequent journey of nine and a half minutes by automobile.
The drive lasted 14 plays and 9.5 minutes. The Rebels converted two fourth downs and overcame a costly penalty that led to first-and-goal from the 1-yard line to give the 16-yard line a first-and-goal. And they somehow survived a fumble by quarterback Matthew Slucker that took out nearly three defenders, only for James to fall on it for UNLV finally.
Knowing They Had No Choice But to Score a Touchdown
Knowing they had no choice but to score a touchdown, the Rebels responded with appropriate action at every moment.
Game-Winning Drive
“It was a must-drive,” said center Jake Hasz, whose big push at the point of attack helped James score the winning touchdown.
“We needed more than a single field goal to win,” remarked Sluka, who led the team with 124 rushing yards on 19 attempts and completed 7 of 18 passes for 86 yards. “Our focus was on reaching the end zone, and we were determined to do whatever it took to get there.”
The Defense Rose in the Second Half
It was the only fourth-quarter score for the Rebels, who scored just 10 points in the second half. But it was enough as a defense that overcame a sloppy first half held Kansas to three points at the half.
In the initial two quarters, UNLV conceded 17 points and 260 yards. However, their defense significantly improved, limiting the opposition to a mere 92 yards for the remainder of the game. Locking down the Jayhawks in the second half, the offense had plenty of room to mount a comeback.
The Role of Linebacker
“Much of the success was a result of our collective effort, and it all began with my play,” commented linebacker Jackson Woodard, who secured one of the two UNLV interceptions. “I sensed a bit of panic within the team as if we were overexerting ourselves. However, everyone eventually found their rhythm and focused on fulfilling their individual roles.”
Changing the Course of the Game
UNLV’s first interception helped turn the game. It came late in the first half when the Jayhawks were up 17-6 and driving after Devin Neal’s 24-yard run set them up at the UNLV 44 with 57 seconds left.
But quarterback Jalon Daniels, who has thrown six interceptions in three games, overthrew his target and into the arms of safety Jalen Catalan, who returned the ball 46 yards to the Kansas 33.
Test of Time Management
UNLV made it count, albeit just barely. After a 6-yard throw to slugger Jacob De Jesus with the clock running pushed the ball to the Kansas 27, the Rebels seemed confused as they simultaneously tried to line up for a second down and make contact on the sideline. Sluka even ran to the sideline to get the play, then ran back onto the field to call the signal.
The snap came with six seconds left in the half, giving Sluka enough time to throw a swing pass to Jay’den Thomas, who secured the ball at the 15 with two seconds left and raced into the end zone. Just like that, the Rebels cut their deficit to 17-13.
Unexpected Twist
It was a stunning turn of events given how Kansas (1-2) was moving the ball at will.
“Time management … at the end of the half, obviously I wouldn’t write it that way,” Odom said.
But as the Rebels did all night, they got a big play when they needed it.
“All credit to making an impact and making huge plays when we needed to,” Odom said.
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Conclusion
The UNLV Rebels’ win over Kansas is a testament to their grit and fighting spirit. Despite being statistically behind, they managed to pull off a win in a hostile environment. This win will boost their confidence and motivate them to do better in future.
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