The Rebels opened their second year under coach Barry Odom with a dominant win, beating the Cougars 27-7 Saturday night in Houston. With the biggest expectations in program history, this performance set the tone for what the Rebels hope to be a landmark season.
UNLV’s defense was impenetrable, led by seniors Jackson Woodard and Jalen Catalon.
Woodard was all over the field, recording 11 tackles including 4 for a loss and 3 sacks. "If you go watch the film, Marsel McDuffie set those (sacks) up," Woodard said. "First of all, credit to him. None of those sacks would have happened without Marsel." McDuffie had 6 tackles including 2½ for loss and a sack.
"They are both very active," Odom said regarding Woodard and McDuffie. "They're big, strong, they can run. They've got an understanding on how the blitz packages go, and this year we've put together a really good blitz package."
Catalon was equally impactful, picking off two of Donovan Smith’s passes and returning one of them to the end zone for 6.
"I just had an instinct reaction, tipped it up to myself, and took over from there," Catalon said of his pick-6. "I just thank my d-line and the pressure they had all game. Hats off to them on that."
It was an abysmal night for Smith, who was simply incapable of finding any rhythm. Houston's only points came on the final drive of the game, after they had already replaced the Las Vegas native with third stringer Ui Ale.
Quarterback Matthew Sluka, in his first start for the Rebels, showed poise and versatility leading the Rebel offense with 71 yards on 6-of-13, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Both TD passes came early in the first half to Jacob DeJesus, who finished with 42 yards on 3 catches.
The second TD was an outstanding toe-tap in the end zone that stood upon replay review. It was the kind of catch you expect out of Ricky White, not DeJesus.
"Working on awareness and footwork, watching Rick how he runs routes, I always try to emulate him," DeJesus said. "He's Ricky White, he's one of the top receivers in the nation and so anytime I can learn from someone that's as good as him, I do it."
Sluka also got it done with his legs, running for 59 yards on 11 attempts. Michael Allen led the Rebel rushing attack with 65 yards on 10 carries. The Rebels outgained the Cougars on the ground 195-38 yards.
"Ever since (Sluka) came we've been working with each other," DeJesus said. "I saw a really good glimpse of him today and what he can do on the field not just throwing, but also running and his decision making. He's a very good quarterback."
After getting their BIG-12 revenge, the Rebels head back to Vegas to prepare for a week-two matchup at home.
"It's good to see a win on the road," Odom said. "I'm more excited about that than I am the logo of the school. So we'll go back to work, and what a huge one at home week two. I would love for us to have to open up the upper-level region on Saturday."
UNLV will face Utah Tech on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium at noon.