Sloppy second half led to Rebels’ seventh loss

the numbers

Monday, Nov. 18, 2002 | 9:40 a.m.

First Quarter: UNLV 7-0

The Man: Larry Croom took what was ruled a lateral in the flat from Jason Thomas and zig-zagged his way 40 yards for a touchdown to give UNLV a 7-0 lead.

Turning Point: Sophomore corner Ruschard Dodd-Masters intercepted a Chance Harridge pass in the end zone to halt a 15-play, 72-yard Air Force drive.

Game within the game: Air Force had scored on 32 straight red-zone possessions before Dodd-Masters' interception.

Second Quarter: Tied, 14-14

The Man: Harridge scored on a five-yard touchdown run and also rushed for 70 yards on 12 carries in the half.

Turning Point: After UNLV took a 14-7 lead on a five-yard pass from Jason Thomas to Earvin Johnson, Air Force answered with an 80-yard, 15-play drive that was capped by a six-yard touchdown run by halfback Leotis Palmer.

Game within the game: Falcons' option chewed up yards and time. Air Force held a 18:21-11:39 edge in time of possession and ran 14 more plays in the half.

Third Quarter: Air Force 28-17

The Man: Harridge runs and passes for a touchdown in the quarter. His one-yard touchdown run is his 19th rushing TD of the season, tying the Air Force single-season record.

Turning Point: Trailing 28-17, Rebel tailback Dominique Dorsey fumbles at the Falcon one-yard line and into the end zone for a key touchback.

Game within the game: Rebel linebacker Tyrone Tucker halted one Air Force drive with an interception, first deflecting the pass into the air and then grabbing it as it came down.

Fourth Quarter: Air Force 49-32

The Man: Fullback Steve Massie scored on a three-yard run with 3:54 left to increase Falcons' lead to 42-25.

Turning Point: After Massie's touchdown, Air Force stopped UNLV on downs. One play later, halfback Darne Stephens rushed around end for a 16-yard touchdown to increase the Falcons' lead to 24 points, 49-25.

Game within the game: After Dodd-Masters' interception in the end zone halted a first quarter Air Force drive, Falcons responded with five touchdowns on their next five possessions.