Game analysis: Physical Utes able to shut down the Rebels

the numbers

Monday, Nov. 5, 2001 | 9:34 a.m.

First Quarter: UNLV 7, Utah 7

The man: Rebel senior safety Sam Brandon returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown.

Turning point: Brandon's interception tied a game that had been dominated by Utah's strong run game.

Throwing the flag: Utah guard Ed Ta'amu picked up the only penalty of the quarter for an illegal block in the back.

Game within the game: Utes do what they do best ... a strong, physical, time-consuming running attack.

Second Quarter: UNLV 14, Utah 14

The man: Rebel cornerback Kevin Thomas returned an interception 24 yards for a touchdown to put UNLV ahead, 14-7. The score was his school-record fifth defensive touchdown of his career.

Turning point: Utah's Quincy Watkins came through untouched to block Gary Cook's punt at the Rebel 11. Three plays later, Ute quarterback Lance Rice hit tight end Michael Richardson with a game-tying 10-yard touchdown pass.

Throwing the flag: There were only three penalties called in the half.

Game within the game: Wanted: Special teams coach with knowledge of punt blocking schemes. Contact John Robinson at 895-3400.

Third Quarter: Utah 28, UNLV 14

The man: Ute tailback Dameon Hunter gained 63 yards on 11 carries in the quarter as Utah controlled the ball again for almost nine minutes on offense.

Turning point: Former Cimarron High star Arnold Parker forced and recovered a disputed fumble by Joe Haro at the UNLV 18. On the ensuing play, backup tailback Adam Tate broke free for an 18-yard touchdown to up Utah's lead to two touchdowns.

Throwing the flag: Rebel redshirt freshman corner Ruschard Dodd-Masters was called for a costly 15-yard personal foul penalty for nailing Ute punt returner Justin Walterscheid before the ball arrived.

Game within the game: With Troy Mason (left ankle) on crutches in street clothes, UNLV's sputtering passing game came to a complete halt.

Fourth Quarter: Utah 42, UNLV 14

The man: Utah tight end Michael Richardson caught his second touchdown of the game, a five-yarder from Lance Rice to up Utah's lead to 35-14.

Turning point: Richardson's touchdown catch with 14:11 to go in the game sent many in the crowd of 21,042 heading for th exits.

Throwing the flag: Each team was penalized just three times in the contest.

Game within the game: Stronger Utes once again dominated the trenches. Some Rebel fans took out their frustrations by booing quarterback Jason Thomas (7 of 17, 107 yards, 1 Int.). Backup Kurt Nantkes came in late to cheers and completed 1 of 4 passes for 11 yards and was sacked once.