UNLV’s three interceptions end North Dakota State’s unbeaten start, 13-7

UNLV won a game in which its offense never reached the end zone Saturday, using three interceptions and two second-half field goals to beat North Dakota State 13-7 at Allegiant Stadium. The Rebels handed the Bison their first loss of the season after a final North Dakota State drive reached scoring territory and ended with another takeaway.

Andre Porter's 23-yard interception return supplied UNLV's only touchdown in the first quarter. Ramon Villela later broke a 7-7 tie with a 29-yard field goal in the third quarter and added a 24-yarder with 10:57 remaining in the fourth. That left North Dakota State needing a touchdown to win as the defenses continued to limit scoring chances.

The Bison had that opportunity late. Nathan Hayes completed passes to Jackson Williams and Mekhi Collins as North Dakota State advanced from its own 20. A 28-yard Hayes run carried the ball to UNLV's 24 with less than two minutes remaining, putting the visitors within range of a touchdown that could reverse the result.

UNLV pushed the Bison backward with a sack, and a North Dakota State holding penalty added another setback. Hayes then threw an interception with 1:23 remaining. UNLV took possession and used kneel-downs to finish the game, preserving a win built largely by its defense.

The first interception had put the Rebels in front much earlier. Porter caught Hayes' pass at the North Dakota State 23 and returned it for a touchdown with 9:39 left in the opening quarter. UNLV intercepted Hayes again on the next Bison possession, preventing North Dakota State from immediately answering the defensive score.

The Bison eventually drew level in the second quarter. Hayes found Chris Kiel for a 21-yard touchdown with 6:10 remaining, creating the 7-7 score the teams took into halftime. North Dakota State held UNLV's passing game down throughout the evening, but the Rebels' second-half field goals proved enough once the defense kept the Bison scoreless after the break.

Jai'Den Thomas gave UNLV its largest offensive contribution, rushing 22 times for 112 yards. Jackson Arnold added 60 rushing yards but completed just eight of 16 passes for 77 yards and an interception. The Rebels finished with 255 total yards, compared with North Dakota State's 300, and converted five of 15 third downs.

Hayes completed 12 of 22 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, with his three interceptions accounting for every Bison turnover. Myles Mitchell ran 22 times for 91 yards. Kiel caught two passes for 30 yards. North Dakota State finished with 19 first downs but failed on both fourth-down attempts, unable to turn its yardage advantage into a second touchdown.

The result moved UNLV to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the Mountain West. North Dakota State dropped to 5-1 and 2-1 in conference play. The Rebels visit Air Force next Saturday, while the Bison return home to face Nevada.

Sources

ESPN final box score and scoring plays · Las Vegas Review-Journal: UNLV wins defensive battle