Sam Boyd Stadium was sold out Saturday afternoon. Single game tickets, usually $11, were a record face value of $75. Wisconsin must be in town. The Rebels have only sold out four games here since their inception in 1968. All four games were against Wisconsin. At least this time, the Rebs' made a game of it.
Early on, it looked like more of the same old Badger bowl. On the opening possesion, UNLV QB Omar Clayton was sacked, then after a punt John Clay scored the first of his two touchdown's from 78 yards out to give Wisconsin a 7-0 lead. The rebs would answer, on a Ben Jaekle 21 yard FG. End of the first quarter, UNLV is only down 7-3. John Clay went over the 100 yard mark on his 7th carry early in the 2nd quarter, but the drive only mounted three points, mainly due to the fact that the badgers decided to run from the gun. This isn't real life, and the spread won't get you yards on the ground, even against the likes of a bad MWC team. After forcing a three and out for the second series in a row in the third quarter, the rebels drove the length of the field in 12 plays, only to see wideout Phillip Payne drop an easy TD. Jaekle nailed the easy kick, and the rebs were within 4. The ensuing Wiscy possesion saw Dan Mareko register his first sack of the season, forcing a punt and the rebs went to the run game. Trotter ran for a first down, and then asked for a breather, which lead to a 4th and 1 from their own 44. Coach Lester decided to go for it, but his hesitation cost him, as the play clock expired and he decided to punt.
John Clay eclipsed the 200 yard mark on the next drive, putting the game away, 17-6. On the last gasp, Channing Trotter got behind the Badger defense only to have Clayton overthrow him by ten yards. The Rebels travel to Utah to take on the Utes next Saturday.