Slow start was Rebels’ demise — again

the numbers

Monday, Sept. 23, 2002 | 9:52 a.m.

First Quarter: Toledo 14-0

The Man: Quarterback Brian Jones picked apart the Rebel secondary, completing 8 of 9 passes for 66 yards. He also drew the Rebel defense offsides four times with his cadance.

Turning Point: Toledo got a 41-yard kickoff return by Donta Green plus a 15-yard facemask penalty to start the game with great field position -- as if it really needed it -- at the UNLV 42-yard line.

Game within the game: Uninspired Rebel defense picked up where it left off in Oregon State debacle.

Second Quarter: Toledo 24-0

The Man: Backup tailback Astin Martin lived up to his name and motored through Rebel defenders for a 25-yard touchdown run off left tackle to up the Rockets' lead to 21-0 early in the second quarter.

Turning Point: On the ensuing kickoff after Martin's touchdown run, Rebel return man Troy Mason had the ball stripped by Keon Jackson at the UNLV 26 to set the stage for a 24-yard Jason Robbins' field goal.

Game within the game: Apparently trying to light a fire under his comatose team, UNLV head coach John Robinson elected to go for it three times on fourth and long in Toledo territory, converting once but still coming away with no points.

Third Quarter: Toledo 31-7

The Man: Rebel quarterback Jason Thomas completed three straight passes for 41 yards to start the second half and capped a 69-yard scoring drive with a nifty 13-yard touchdown run.

Turning Point: After a rare halftime tongue-lashing by Robinson, the Rebels played more inspired football.

Game within the game: Starting fullback Steven Costa left the game on the first series with a possible torn calf muscle.

Fourth Quarter: Toledo 38-21

The Man: Rebel tailback Joe Haro scored on a two-yard run to cap an 108-yard game and extend his streak of games scoring at least one touchdown to five dating to last year's finale at Air Force.

Turning Point: With two weeks to get ready for in-state rival Nevada-Reno, Robinson and his coaching staff must find a way to plug a lot of holes to avert a second straight losing season.

Game within the game: UNLV's defense so far this season: Turnovers forced: 0. Points allowed: 132 (33.0 ppg).

Compiled by Steve Guiremand