HOUSTON — Anthony Colandrea threw for 249 yards and accounted for three touchdowns, and UNLV pulled away to beat Sam Houston 38-21 on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium.
The Rebels (2-0) built a 24-7 halftime lead and didn’t punt until midway through the third quarter, improving to 11-3 in true road games since the start of 2023. It marked the first-ever meeting between the programs and UNLV’s third straight win in Texas.
Colandrea completed his first six passes and finished 19 of 23 through the air with two touchdowns, while also running for a 13-yard score in the fourth quarter. Jaden Bradley had six receptions for 125 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown on the opening drive. DeAngelo Irvin Jr. caught his first career touchdown pass to help build the early cushion.
On defense, Aamaris Brown had a standout night, returning an interception 52 yards for a touchdown while also recording two sacks and another tackle for loss. The Rebels’ defense held Sam Houston (0-2) without a third-down conversion until late, limiting the Bearkats to 1 of 12 on third down and piling up four sacks.
After Sam Houston scored on its opening drive, UNLV’s defense shut the Bearkats out until the fourth quarter. Both of Sam Houston’s late touchdowns came on fourth-and-one plays, long strikes that trimmed the deficit but never threatened the Rebels’ control.
Jai’Den Thomas added 65 yards on nine carries and his fourth rushing touchdown of the season, the 23rd of his career, which ranks seventh in program history.
“We took a huge step from last week and I think that’s a big deal for us,” UNLV coach Dan Mullen said. “When we’re good on both sides of the ball, we’re really good. But we’re just missing that focus and attention to detail for four quarters. There are so many positive plays to build on.”
The Rebels, who improved to 10-3 in nonconference play since 2023, had 18 players from Texas on the roster and several former UNLV players, including NFL rookies Jackson Woodard and Johnathan Baldwin, were on the sidelines.
Sam Houston is scheduled to return the game in Las Vegas on Sept. 17, 2033.
UNLV hosts UCLA next Saturday in Las Vegas.