Undefeated No More

It became apparent every early in the game that Syracuse was on a mission to give UNLV their L of the season as they started out fast. Syracuse struck first after McCord completed all seven attempts during a nine-play drive.  Capped by a shovel pass Allen, who darted in from 8 yards out to put the Orange ahead 7-0 midway through the first quarter. The Orange pushed the lead to 14-0 on Allen’s second touchdown of the game.

Allen was a man on the mission for Syracuse as he rushed 19 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns, and had nine catches for 58 yards and two more scores. Allen’s versatility was a weapon that UNLV couldn’t solve.

“Just putting it all on the line for my team,” Allen said. “At the end of the day, if I can run and I can jog, I still want to go out there for my team. Nobody’s bigger than ‘The S.’”

Overtime drama

UNLV scored a field goal in overtime to take a 41-38 lead. The Rebels appeared to make a key third-down stop against Syracuse in overtime on Friday night. Stopping the Orange on 3rd-and-20 and likely forcing a game-tying field goal attempt. Then came the controversial flag.

Defensive tackle Alexander Whitmore was flagged for roughing the passer as he hit Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord just as the ball was released. Whitemore was initially called for targeting, but it was removed upon review.

The penalty gave Syracuse a first down and new life after UNLV scored a field goal on the first overtime possession to take a 41-38 lead. Syracuse drove to the 1-yard line, then running back LeQuint Allen fought through a tackle and scored the game-winning touchdown.

UNLV quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams completed 21 of 25 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. UNLV Head Coach Barryn Odom was encourage with his team effort despite the loss.

“Looking at what this team did, we really didn’t start well and stayed in the fight,” UNLV coach Barry Odom said. “I hate it because we got a tough team, got great young men. We’re close, but this will get us closer. I have no doubt about that.”