UPDATES: UNLV bounces back against Akron in blowout road win

The UNLV Rebels close out their nonconference road schedule against the Akron Zips on Saturday, looking to build momentum before returning home for a two-game stretch.

After a 44-6 loss to the North Texas Mean Green and a bye week to regroup, Dan Mullen’s squad is looking for a bounce-back performance on both sides of the ball.

The Zips share the same 1-2 record as UNLV and have faced two Power Four opponents to this point in the season, including the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Akron’s lone win came against FCS program Robert Morris, as the Zips defeated the Colonials 45-10.

This is how it happened.

Second half shutout

The Rebels outscored the Zips 24-0 in the second half and allowed just 26 rushing yards after the first quarter as the UNLV defense continued its stout road performance. Defensive back Mumu Bin-Wahad capped the Rebels scoring with a pick-six for the programs third interception of the game.

UNLV 38, Akron 10, end of 4th quarter

Missed scoring opportunity

Akron in attempt to battle back into the game had an opportunity to put there first points of the second half on the board but Stire pushed a 44-yard field goal attempt wide right giving the Rebels possession near midfield.

UNLV 31, Akron 10, end of 3rd quarter

Defense to offense

After forcing the second Zips turnover of the game as Cam Santee came down with his first interception of the season Arnold found Taz Reddicks down field on the Rebels first set of downs for a 59-yard score.

UNLV 31, Akron 10, 3:32 remaining 3rd quarter

Rebels add three

After forcing a three-and-out on Akron’s first offensive possession of the second half, the Rebels moved quickly down the field and put themselves in position to add to their lead. Villela converted the 38-yard field-goal attempt, giving UNLV the only points of the second half so far.

UNLV 24, Akron 10, 6:20 remaining 3rd quarter

The “Jet” has liftoff

For the third time this game Thomas has reached the end zone this time using his legs for a 16-yard touchdown run. The Rebels lead back now has seven carries for 68 yards and two catches for 42-yards.

UNLV 21, Akron 10, 13:26 remaining 3rd quarter

Second half underway

As the third quarter begins, the Rebels open with possession looking to extend their lead to double digits.

End of first half

Despite both teams exchanging posessions in the final two minutes of play in the second quarter the score remains the same. Arnold finishes the first half completing nine of 15 pass attempts for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

UNLV 14, Akron 10, end of 2nd quarter

Zips chip away

Following tbe Rebels touchdown Akron responds with their first scoring possession since the opneing drive as kicker Aiden Stire connected from 35-yards out.

UNLV 14, Akron 10, 2:44 remaining 2nd quarter

Rebels take the lead

For the first time in Week 4 — and since Week 2 — UNLV has the lead after Jet Thomas recorded his second touchdown catch of the day. Facing fourth down from the 2-yard line, Arnold rolled toward the sideline and found Thomas open in the end zone for the score.

UNLV 14, Akron 7, 7:21 remaining 2nd quarter

Defense stands tall again

For the second consecutive possession, the Rebels’ defense came up with a big stop, this time shutting down the Zips on fourth down deep in UNLV territory. Arnold and the Rebels will take over with a chance to take their first lead of the game.

End of first quarter

Despite the interception by the UNLV secondary, the Rebels’ offense was unable to capitalize, and the Zips took possession for their third drive of the game. As the opening quarter comes to a close, Akron is driving again and has 11 first downs to UNLV’s four.

UNLV forces a turnover

The Rebels came up with a takeaway as Akron entered UNLV territory for the second consecutive drive. The Zips attempted a flea-flicker, but safety Jake Pope got a hand on the pass, allowing fellow safety Tre Fulton to come away with the interception.

Rebels respond

UNLV entered the game in search of offensive answers and they find an early explosive play through Jai’Den Thomas who was left open in the secondary and Arnold connected with him for a 40-yard touchdown pass on third down.

UNLV 7, Akron 7, 8:11 remaining 1st quarter

Zips on the board

For a Rebels defense looking to bounce back after their perfromance against the Mean Green the first drive was not filled with a lot of positives. Two penalties on the defense contributed to a seven-play 75-yard touchdown drive for Akron.

Runningback Jordan Gant punched it into the end zone following a 12-yard touchdown run.

UNLV 0, Akron 7, 11:58 remaining 1st quarter

Akron with first posession

The Akron Zips will have the games first chance on offense after UNLV elected to defer the opening coin toss. Zips quarterback Cibastian Broughton who ranks among the national leaders in completion percentage is out with backup Brayden Roggon taking his place.

Wide-out turnaround

After a slow start offensively this season, UNLV’s wide receivers will look to help turn things around against Akron. That starts with quarterback Jackson Arnold, who has not thrown for a touchdown since UNLV’s season-opening loss to the Memphis Tigers.

UNLV vs Akron channel, TV schedule

Records:

UNLV 1-2, 1-0 (MWC), Akron 1-2, 0-0 (MAC)

When:

Saturday

Time:

9 a.m. PT

Where:

InfoCision Stadium

TV:

ESPN+

Radio:

ESPN 1100 AM & 100.9 FM

Tickets:

Available

UNLV vs Akron odds

Spread: UNLV -13.5

Over/under: 53½ points

Moneyline: UNLV (-530), Akron (+400)

Odds are provided by Caesars sportsbook as of Saturday morning.

UNLV schedule 2026

Week 0: L, 27-21 vs Memphis Tigers

Week 1: W, 21-6 at Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Week 2: L, 44-6 at North Texas Mean Green

Week 3, BYE WEEK

Week 4, Sept. 26, at Akron Zips, 9 a.m., ESPN+

Week 5, Oct. 3, vs Cal Golden Bears, 12:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 6, Oct. 10, vs NDSU Bison, 4 p.m., The CW

Week 7, Oct. 17, at Air Force Falcons, 12:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 8, BYE WEEK

Week 9, Oct. 31, vs NIU Huskies, 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 10, Nov. 7, vs Wyoming Cowboys, 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 11, Nov. 14, at New Mexico Lobos, 4:30 p.m., The CW

Week 12, Nov. 21, at SJSU Spartans, 4 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Week 13, Nov. 28 vs UNR Wolf Pack, 6 p.m., CBS Sports Network