UNLV Rebels Dominate Colorado State in High-Scoring Affair
A decisive victory for UNLV, 42-10, over Colorado State on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Canvas Stadium showcased the Rebels’ potent offense and marked a turning point in both teams’ seasons. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for UNLV while dropping the Rams to 2-7 overall.
Rebels’ Offense Proves Too Much for Colorado State
Coming into the contest with the Mountain West’s top-scoring offense, UNLV lived up to its billing, amassing a staggering 572 yards of total offense. The Rebels’ attack proved particularly devastating on the ground, racking up 321 rushing yards. Colorado State struggled to contain the UNLV rushing attack, allowing their opponent to surpass 300 rushing yards for the first time since 2022 against Air Force.
The Rams initially showed promise, taking a 10-7 lead in the second quarter after a successful opening drive. Quarterback Jackson Brousseau connected with Rocky Beers for a touchdown, marking Beers’ fourth scoring reception of the season. The 13-play, 75-yard drive required a crucial fourth-down conversion to keep the momentum alive.
However, UNLV responded emphatically with 21 unanswered points in the second quarter, fueled by explosive plays. Running back Jai’den Thomas spearheaded the attack with a 57-yard touchdown run and later a 59-yard gain that set up another score. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea capped off the scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run, and Jaylen Glover added a 6-yard touchdown run late in the half.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Victory
UNLV continued its dominance in the second half, extending its lead and ultimately securing the 42-10 victory. Colandrea finished the game with 251 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Thomas led all rushers with 131 yards on just seven carries. The Rebels’ balanced attack proved too much for the Rams to handle.
Colorado State’s offense struggled to find a rhythm after the initial touchdown drive. A 23-yard field goal by Isaiah Hankins was the Rams’ only other score of the game. A potential scoring drive at the end of the first half was thwarted by a muffed snap on a fourth-down attempt.
Key Defensive Play and Team Recognition
Despite the loss, Colorado State saw a standout performance from defensive back Jace Bellah, who recorded his fourth interception of the season in the first quarter. This feat matched a season record previously held by current CSU coach Trent Matthews in 2013.
Prior to the game, Colorado State unveiled a special all-white uniform design to coincide with the campus’s Snow Days festival. The uniform featured a unique logo depicting the old Ram mascot wearing a knit cap. The team captains for the season – Jacob Ellis, JaQues Evans, Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Owen Long, Tanner Morley, and Mukendi Wa-Kalonji – were recognized, with Brousseau and Jalen Dupree added due to injuries. UNLV won the coin toss and elected to defer.
The Rebels’ decisive victory underscores their status as a force to be reckoned with in the Mountain West Conference, while Colorado State faces continued challenges as they navigate the remainder of their season.
