TAKEAWAYS: UNLV Reach 7 Wins After Blowout of New Mexico

After dropping a tough seven-point loss at Fresno State, it was fair to wonder how Barry Odom’s UNLV team would respond heading on the road to take on

© JASON BEAN/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK

After dropping a tough seven-point loss at Fresno State, it was fair to wonder how Barry Odom’s UNLV team would respond heading on the road to take on conference foe New Mexico.

The Rebels answered any questions about this year’s team being legit by drubbing the Lobos 56-14.

UNLV jumped out to a two-score lead less than 10 minutes into the game, en route to carry a 35-7 lead into the half – assertively dousing any chance at the home team notching an upset win. Here are three takeaways from the resounding victory as the Rebels look towards a showdown with Wyoming at Allegiant Stadium next Saturday.

Ricky White puts on a show

Jayden Maiava teardrop and Ricky White is unstoppable 😤 pic.twitter.com/mwqzN7cd6r

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) November 5, 2023

UNLV wide receiver Ricky White entered the week fourth in the conference in receiving yards with 719 on 47 receptions and four touchdowns. The 6-1, 190-pound Michigan State transfer put on a show against the Lobos, hauling in eight receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. His 30-yard touchdown reception opened the game’s scoring at the 12:22 mark of the first quarter and White’s second score of the game came across the middle of the New Mexico defense for a 58-yard score.

Jayden Maiava has a breakout game

Bombs away‼️ @dominic_gicinto makes his first TD grab as a Rebel on the deep ball from @jayden_maiava.

📺 MWN | SSSEN pic.twitter.com/ukNCyefSHi

— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) November 4, 2023

It’s almost fitting that a hometown product is at the helm of the Rebels resurgence with quarterback Jayden Maiava in the midst of an excellent redshirt freshman season. The former three-star recruit was listed as the number-two quarterback following spring ball and has taken control of the QB1 job in Vegas. His 13-for-18 passing for 247 yards and three touchdowns is the best outing of his young career and should provide a measure of confidence heading into the home stretch.

Red Zone Scoring

UNLV’s run-game by committee has been effective throughout the season, giving the Rebels the 17th-ranked rushing attack in the nation. They were especially effective against New Mexico in the red zone, converting 5-of-5 red zone attempts – all via the ground attack. Running back Vincent Davis cashed in with two first-half touchdowns in the red zone and three more were added in the second half.