Turnovers tell the story as UNLV has five-game win streak snapped

UNLV linebacker Jackson Woodard looks for direction from the sideline. Photo Credit: UNLV Athletics

UNLV’s longest win streak since 1984 has been snapped at five games after a recent misstep resulting in the team’s first conference loss of the season.

Turnovers handicapped the Rebels as they fell to the Fresno State Bulldogs, 31-24, Saturday, Oct. 28 from Valley Children’s Stadium. The winner took over second place in the Mountain West with a 7-1 record while the loser fell to 6-2.

Saturday’s contest marked the first of back-to-back road games for UNLV as it now shifts its attention to New Mexico. That game is set for Saturday, Nov. 4 from University Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

After having a double-digit lead early, the Rebels were burned by a late interception by freshman quarterback Jayden Maiava at the Bulldogs’ eight-yard line. That pass was intended for senior receiver Senika McKie one play after the South Carolina native dropped a would-be tying touchdown in the end zone.

UNLV committed all four of its turnovers in the second half beginning with a fumble off a punt that ricocheted off returner Jacob De Jesus. Two drives later, Maiava threw his first interception of the game.

Rebels quarterback Jayden Maiava rifles a pass in the team's loss against the Bulldogs. Photo Credit: UNLV Athletics

Maiava went 21-for-35 with 268 passing yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Things continued to snowball for the Rebels including a first play fumble by freshman running back Jai’Den Thomas, who scored his eighth touchdown of the season earlier in the game. All of those third quarter turnovers resulted in 24 straight points for the Bulldogs.

Of those 24 straight points in the third quarter for Fresno State, 13 came directly from UNLV turnovers. Over that 15-minute session, the Rebels held the ball for a total of three minutes and 32 seconds.

UNLV receiver Ricky White III celebrates with teammates during his two touchdown outing against Fresno State. Photo Credit: UNLV Athletics

At halftime, UNLV had a seven-point lead after leading by 10 points late in the first half.

Junior receiver Ricky White III was partly the reason for the big lead early as he was responsible for the team’s first score of the game. He hauled in a 41-yard touchdown pass from Maiava which resulted in a three-catch, 65-yard outing in the first quarter.

In the second half, White III reeled in his second touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter which ended a scoreless drought of more than 18 minutes for the Rebels. He finished with a game-high 152 yards on seven receptions.