Football games are fun to watch. The Fresno State Bulldogs and UNLV Rebels always bring excitement. Their rivalry is full of big plays and great players. This article covers Fresno State Bulldogs vs UNLV football player stats, head-to-head records, top performers, and historical trends. You’ll learn who shined, how teams battled, and what patterns emerged from 1979 to 2024. Let’s jump in!
Head-to-Head Records: Fresno State vs UNLV (1979–2024)
Fresno State and UNLV have played 27 games since 1979. Fresno State leads with 19 wins. UNLV has 8 wins. Their games are often close and thrilling. Here’s a clear look at their history.
Series Record Overview
| Team | Wins | Losses | Home Record | Away Record | Conference Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno State | 19 | 8 | 11-3 | 8-5 | 8-4 |
| UNLV | 8 | 19 | 5-8 | 3-11 | 4-8 |
- Current Streak: UNLV won in 2024.
- First Game: UNLV won 31-28 (1979).
- Largest Fresno State Win: 48-3 (2018).
- Largest UNLV Win: 59-14 (2024).
- Closest Game: Fresno State won 30-28 (1982).
Fresno State scored 864 points across all games, averaging 32 points per game. UNLV scored 655 points, averaging 24.3 points. The table below shows key games in the rivalry.
Key Historical Games
| Date | Location | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 3, 1979 | Fresno, CA | 31-28 | UNLV |
| November 20, 1982 | Las Vegas, NV | 30-28 | Fresno State |
| November 3, 2018 | Las Vegas, NV | 48-3 | Fresno State |
| September 28, 2024 | Las Vegas, NV | 59-14 | UNLV |
Fresno State dominated from 1985 to 2013, winning 10 straight games. UNLV has won 4 of the last 5 games (2020–2024), showing a recent surge.
The 2024 Game: UNLV’s Big Win
On September 28, 2024, UNLV crushed Fresno State 59-14 at Allegiant Stadium. This game was a standout in the rivalry. Let’s break down the player stats and key moments.
UNLV’s Top Performers
UNLV played fast and strong. Backup quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams led the team after starter Matthew Sluka left due to an NIL issue.
- Hajj-Malik Williams (QB): Completed 13 of 16 passes for 182 yards. Threw 3 touchdowns. Ran 12 times for 119 yards and 1 touchdown. His quick moves were tough to stop.
- Ricky White III (WR): Caught 10 passes for 127 yards. Scored 2 receiving touchdowns. Returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. His speed changed the game.
- Jai’Den Thomas (RB): Returned a 90-yard kickoff for a touchdown. Ran 7 yards for another score. His fast runs were exciting.
- Kaleo Ballungay (TE): Caught a 17-yard touchdown pass. Helped UNLV lead big.
- Cameron Friel (QB): Ran for a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
- Caden Chittenden (K): Made a 45-yard field goal. Went 8-for-8 on extra points.
UNLV rushed for 252 yards on 39 carries, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Their offense was powerful.
Fresno State’s Performance
Fresno State had a hard game. Their offense struggled, and their defense couldn’t stop UNLV.
- Mikey Keene (QB): Completed 27 of 41 passes for 316 yards. Threw 1 touchdown (9 yards to Mac Dalena) but had 2 interceptions. Sacked 4 times, losing 30 yards.
- Raylen Sharpe (WR): Caught 10 passes for 116 yards. Led the team in receiving. A star in a tough loss.
- Mac Dalena (WR): Had 4 catches for 70 yards and 1 touchdown. Showed skill despite the score.
- Malik Sherrod (RB): Ran 9 times for 5 yards. Scored a 6-yard touchdown but got a penalty.
- Joshua Wood (QB): Completed 1 of 3 passes. Threw 1 interception. Struggled in short play.
- Jayden Mandal (QB): Went 0-for-1 with 1 interception. Faced pressure.
Fresno State rushed for 31 yards on 30 carries, averaging 1 yard per carry. Their three quarterbacks threw 4 interceptions, hurting their chances.
2024 Game Scoring Summary
| Quarter | Time | Play | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6:20 | H. Williams 6-yard rushing TD | UNLV 7-0 |
| Q1 | 0:27 | R. White III 13-yard blocked punt return TD | UNLV 14-0 |
| Q2 | 1:57 | H. Williams 12-yard pass to R. White III | UNLV 21-0 |
| Q3 | 12:48 | H. Williams 17-yard pass to K. Ballungay | UNLV 28-0 |
| Q3 | 6:52 | C. Chittenden 45-yard field goal | UNLV 31-0 |
| Q3 | 2:33 | M. Sherrod 6-yard rushing TD | UNLV 31-7 |
| Q4 | 14:52 | H. Williams 15-yard pass to R. White III | UNLV 38-7 |
| Q4 | 11:04 | J. Thomas 7-yard rushing TD | UNLV 45-7 |
| Q4 | 6:36 | M. Keene 9-yard pass to M. Dalena | UNLV 45-14 |
| Q4 | 6:24 | J. Thomas 90-yard kickoff return TD | UNLV 52-14 |
| Q4 | 3:10 | C. Friel 1-yard rushing TD | UNLV 59-14 |
UNLV led 21-0 at halftime and scored 28 points in the fourth quarter. Fresno State scored twice but couldn’t catch up.
Historical Top Performers
This rivalry has seen amazing players. Here are some of the best from both teams.
Fresno State’s Stars
Fresno State has produced big names who shined against UNLV.
- Derek Carr (QB, 2011–2013): Threw for over 4,000 yards in 2013. Led Fresno State to wins with accurate passes. Helped win the Mountain West title.
- Davante Adams (WR, 2011–2013): Caught many touchdowns against UNLV. His speed and hands were tough to stop. Now an NFL star.
- Ronnie Rivers (RB, 2017–2021): Ran for over 100 yards in the 2018 48-3 win. His quick cuts were hard to tackle.
UNLV’s Standouts
UNLV has had great players too. The 2024 game showed new stars.
- Randall Cunningham (QB, 1982–1984): Ran and threw with skill. Led UNLV to early wins over Fresno State. A true legend.
- Ickey Woods (RB, 1984–1987): Powered through defenses. His strong runs helped UNLV in close games.
- Hajj-Malik Williams (QB, 2024): Threw for 182 yards and ran for 119 in 2024. Scored 4 total touchdowns.
These players make the rivalry special. Their big plays keep fans excited.
Historical Trends in the Rivalry
Trends show how this matchup has changed over time. Here are key patterns from 1979 to 2024.
Fresno State’s Dominance
Fresno State won 19 of 27 games. They’re strong at home (11-3 record). Their 32-point average shows a solid offense. From 1985 to 2013, they won 10 straight games, their longest streak. The 48-3 win in 2018 was their biggest.
UNLV’s Recent Rise
UNLV is getting stronger. They won 4 of the last 5 games (2020–2024). Their 59-14 win in 2024 was their largest ever. UNLV’s rushing game has improved, with 252 yards in 2024 compared to Fresno State’s 31. This shows a focus on speed.
Home vs. Away Performance
| Team | Home Record | Away Record |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno State | 11-3 | 8-5 |
| UNLV | 5-8 | 3-11 |
Fresno State plays better at Valley Children’s Stadium. UNLV is stronger at Allegiant Stadium, as seen in 2024.
Scoring Trends
Games often have high scores. Fresno State averages 32 points, while UNLV averages 24.3. Close games, like 30-28 in 1982, are common. UNLV’s 59 points in 2024 was a rare high score.
Quarterback Impact
Quarterbacks are key. Fresno State’s Derek Carr and UNLV’s Hajj-Malik Williams show how one player can change a game. Dual-threat quarterbacks (running and passing) are more common now, especially for UNLV in 2024.
Why the 2024 Game Was Unique
The 2024 game was a big moment. UNLV’s 59-14 win was historic. Here’s why it stood out.
UNLV’s Quarterback Change
UNLV’s starter, Matthew Sluka, left before the game over an NIL dispute. Backup Hajj-Malik Williams took over. He threw 3 touchdowns and ran for 1. His skills kept UNLV strong.
Fresno State’s Struggles
Fresno State’s offense was weak. They rushed for only 31 yards, their lowest in years. Three quarterbacks threw 4 interceptions. The defense allowed 59 points, a rare low point.
UNLV’s Big Plays
UNLV made huge plays. Jai’Den Thomas’s 90-yard kickoff return was a highlight. Ricky White III’s punt return touchdown added to the lead. These plays showed UNLV’s speed and strategy.
What to Watch in Future Games
This rivalry is always exciting. Here’s what to look for next.
- Quarterback Play: Will Fresno State find a strong quarterback? Can UNLV keep their dual-threat style?
- Rushing Game: UNLV’s 252 rushing yards in 2024 were huge. Fresno State needs to improve their 31 yards.
- Home Advantage: Fresno State is tough at home. Their next home game could be close.
- Big Plays: Returns and interceptions often decide games. Watch for game-changing moments.
Fans can expect more thrilling matchups. This rivalry keeps getting better.
Conclusion
The Fresno State Bulldogs vs UNLV Rebels rivalry is full of action. Fresno State leads with 19 wins to UNLV’s 8 since 1979. The 2024 game saw UNLV win 59-14, led by Hajj-Malik Williams and Ricky White III. Fresno State’s Raylen Sharpe shined despite the loss. Trends show Fresno State’s past strength and UNLV’s recent rise. This article covered Fresno State Bulldogs vs UNLV football player stats, records, performers, and trends. Share your favorite game moment!
Disclaimer: This article shares accurate details about Fresno State Bulldogs vs UNLV Rebels football games. Data comes from trusted sources like NCAA records and team websites. The author, Jared H. Furness, has no ties to either team. Check official NCAA or team sites for the latest stats.
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Jared H. Furness loves sports! He writes about football, basketball, and baseball. He looks at player stats and tells fun, easy stories. His articles are very simple to read. Everyone can understand them! You can find his writing on big sports websites. He talks about how players play, exciting game moments, and smart plans. For example, he writes about games like Boston College Eagles vs. UVA and Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Miami Marlins. Jared writes his own stories, and they follow Google’s rules. They’re easy to find on Google and never copied. Fans and experts love his stories about stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and fun EuroLeague basketball moments. Jared makes sports writing super fun and clear!