After losing their starting quarterback mid-week to an NIL dispute, all UNLV did was go out Saturday and play their best game of the season.
Facing a Fresno State squad that had only lost at Michigan to date this season, UNLV scored early and often en route to a 59-14 blowout victory.
"It was business as usual," head coach Barry Odom said afterward. "We've got a very mature team. We went to work on Monday and had a great Monday practice. I thought our Tuesday practice was the best we've had all year; I thought our Wednesday was even better than that and I thought our Thursday was as well. We've got strong leadership, (the players) understand the mission that we're on, and they got it done. I follow their lead a lot. Credit to our leadership."
Backup quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, a sixth-year player and a transfer from FCS Campbell, far out-performed the pedestrian numbers Sluka posted through UNLV's first three games. He opened the scoring with a 6-yard touchdown run, then fired three more touchdown passes on the day.
Williams finished the day 13-of-16 for 182 yards with three scores and no interceptions, while also leading all players with 119 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
The UNLV defense and special teams more than carried their end of the bargain, as well. The Rebel defense intercepted four passes while limiting the Fresno State offense to 30 yards on 31 carries. Ricky White III -- who caught 10 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns -- also returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.
Afterward, White requested the $100,000 that a local casino offered to pay to keep Sluka on the team go toward the Rebels' offensive line.
UNLV WR Ricky White III: "I would ask that somebody reach out to the Circa CEO and ask him, with that $100,000 that he wanted to donate, give it to our O-line please."
— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 28, 2024
All in all, the 450 yards on 8.04 per play were easily the most UNLV has registered against an FBS opponent thus far this season, and the 59 points were UNLV's most against an FBS foe since dropping 69 on Wyoming on Nov. 12, 2016.
The win moves UNLV to 4-0 (1-0 MW) on the season and 13-5 overall under Odom.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.