Game analysis: Physical Utes able to shut down the Rebels
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.
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