UNLV ADAVANCES TO THEIR FIRST MOUNTAIN WEST TITLE GAME - OBinKC's Dynasty

OBinKC's Dynasty Blog

UNLV ADAVANCES TO THEIR FIRST MOUNTAIN WEST TITLE GAME

Posted on August 2, 2017 at 01:29 PM.

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#1 UNLV 21, #20 San Diego State 3

Las Vegas, NV -- The gameplan for San Diego State was clear: shorten the game and beat UNLV on the ground. It's a smart strategy considering the Rebels have had trouble stopping a lot of running attacks this year. But tonight, the defense made the stops when it counted and the offense made just enough plays to ensure a victory.

In the first half, the Aztecs' plan was working to an extent. They made long drives down the field, eating up the clock on the ground. The problem was that when they got to the red zone, they could only manage one field goal before halftime. UNLV also had trouble scoring, but managed to get into the end zone in the second quarter. 7-3 UNLV at halftime.

It was more of the same in the second half, but the Rebels were getting the upper hand. The defensive stops were quicker. Strong safeties Brandon Baker and Peni Via made plays in the backfield on several occasions, as well as linebackers Iggy Porchia and David Moffitt. Defensive lineman Sonny Sanitoa made a huge sack on a fourth down late in the game to prevent San Diego State from making this a close game.

"You're interviewing the wrong guy tonight", said Rebels quarterback Nick Sherry to the reporters flocked around him. "It was all about the defense. If they didn't step up, we didn't have a chance." Sherry was right, as it was the first game this season where he didn't put up more than 200 yards passing. He did find tight end Tyler Bergsten in the end zone twice, but these were after methodical drives leaning heavily on the run.

"San Diego State played really well and shut down what we're good at", said Sherry. But just like a true team, our other guys stepped up and did what it took to win."

UNLV, now 12-0, waits to see who they will face in the Mountain West Conference Championship.