For once, Rebels took charge early in game

the numbers

Monday, Oct. 7, 2002 | 9:59 a.m.

First Quarter: UNLV 7-0

The Man: UNLV quarterback Jason Thomas comes out firing, completing passes of 24, 12 and 18 yards while driving the Rebels 66 yards in nine plays on an impressive opening series touchdown drive.

Turning Point: Senior tailback Joe Haro plunges in from a yard out to give UNLV a 7-0 lead, the sixth consecutive game Haro has scored a touchdown.

Game within the game: Troy Mason fumbles a punt and Nevada-Reno's Dominic Cruz recovers at the Rebel 30 on the final play of the quarter.

2nd Quarter: UNLV 14-6

The Man: Rebel safety Connie Brown recovers a disputed fumble by Wolf Pack wide receiver Nate Burleson with 50 seconds to go to produce UNLV's first turnover of the season.

Turning Point: Thomas hits Larry Croom with a 12-yard touchdown pass in the left flat to put Rebels ahead, 14-3.

Game within the game: Rebel defense seems to confuse Nevada-Reno QB Zack Threadgill with blitzes.

3rd Quarter: UNLV 14-6

The Man: UNLV defensive end Ahmad Briggs drops back into coverage and intercepts a Threadgill pass at the Rebel 27 to halt a Nevada-Reno drive. It's the Rebels' first interception of the season.

Turning Point: Rebels linebacker Adam Seward hammers Threadgill as he throws forcing the interception by Briggs.

Game within the game: Rebels keep Wolf Pack penned deep in its territory in a battle of field position.

4th Quarter: UNLV 21-17

The Man: Larry Croom, a junior transfer from Arizona, slips behind three Wolf Pack defenders and hauls in a Jason Thomas pass for a 45-yard touchdown.

Turning Point: On 4th-and-13 at the UNLV 35, Nevada-Reno gets flagged for roughing Rebel punter Gary Cook, giving UNLV a first down at midfield. Two plays later, Thomas hits Croom for the game-winning TD.

Game within the game: Strong Rebel pass rush keeps Threadgill and Wolf Pack passing attack off-balance.

-- Compiled by Steve Guiremand