UNLV WINS MWC; WILL PLAY IN BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP - OBinKC's Dynasty

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UNLV WINS MWC; WILL PLAY IN BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted on August 3, 2017 at 12:00 PM.

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#1 UNLV 38, Boise State 31

Las Vegas, NV -- The Rebels worked their magic once again in what was their biggest uphill battle of the season. It seems that teams have adjusted to the high powered passing attack, but UNLV still finds ways to win. And that got them into the BCS National Championship game.

Things looked bleak in the beginning as Boise State intercepted quarterback Nick Sherry's first play from scrimmage deep in Rebels territory. The Broncos scored on the next play to go up early. Sherry shook off the early game jitters and led a slow drive down the field, finding tight end Tyler Bergsten on many third down conversions. They finally got to the goal line, and Niko Kapeli, back from injury, scored on a 1 yard run. But that was the last time they would score in the first half as Boise State locked them up and ran at will, scoring twice more before halftime.

Getting the ball back in the third quarter and leading 21-7, Boise State seemed to lose momentum and went 3 and out. UNLV capitalized on the Broncos' stagnating offense and chipped away at the lead with a field goal and another touchdown run by Kapeli. But the Broncos weren't done and the fourth quarter lord wide for scoring. Both teams scored again, and by that time the score was 28-24 Broncos. With a little over two minutes left in the game, Boise State had the ball and looked to run out the clock. But they threw a wide receiver screen which was intercepted by strong safety Peni Via, who ran it back for a touchdown.

Like a knife in the heart, Boise State was now the wounded. They tied the game at 31 with a field goal kick, which left 42 seconds on the clock. Enter Sherry and tight end Jake Phillips, in for the now injured Bergsten, who together contrubited to nearly all of the 72 yards of the drive for the winning score.

"I'm so proud of this team", said Rebels head coach Sean O'Bradovich. They always find a way to win and I think we deserve to test that one more time."

This victory has ensured that UNLV will play in the BCS National Championship. Lots of people will have something to say about that, but I don't think these guys have any more to prove. We'll hear enough about it for the next month. But for now, the Rebels have good reason to celebrate.