UNLV edges AF in 42-39 shootout

  • Published
  • By Wayne Amann
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFPN) --  The University of Nevada-Las Vegas defeated the U.S. Air Force Academy 42-39 in Las Vegas Nov. 24.

The win snaps a 10-game losing streak by UNLV. The Falcons had beaten the Runnin' Rebels eight out of 11 times, including the last four straight games.

Despite the odds against them, the Runnin' Rebels amassed 555 yards in total offense to out-gun the bluesuiters at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Air Force led 31-26 four minutes into the third quarter when UNLV rallied with 16 unanswered points to seize momentum and the game.

"It was a complete debacle," Falcons head coach Fisher DeBerry said. "We didn't play a full game of football offensively, defensively or in the kicking game. We should have scored more points."

Air Force had to settle for a field goal on the game's opening possession after driving down to the Rebel 4-yard line. The Falcons also failed to convert a fourth down in the second quarter to stall another drive.

On the plus side the Air Force offense did not commit a turnover while the defense forced three takeaways.

Still, UNLV (2-10 overall, 1-7 in conference play) controlled the ball for six minutes more than the Falcons. Rebel quarterback Rocky Hinds riddled the Air Force secondary for 351 passing yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore completed 26 of 34 passes without an interception. David Peeples and Ronnie Smith also added two touchdown runs apiece for the Rebels. UNLV rolled a perfect 7-for-7 in red-zone scoring chances.

Meanwhile, Falcon quarterback Shaun Carney tossed four touchdown passes, two to wide receiver Victor Thompson. The junior completed 10 of 18 for 211 yards and ran for a 1-yard score. Air Force had 415 yards in total offense.

The loss mathematically eliminated the Air Force (4-7 overall, 3-4 in conference play) from the post-season bowl picture. The Falcons travel to Texas Christian University Dec. 2 for its final game. A minimum of six victories is needed to be considered bowl eligible by the various selection committees.