UNLV football beats UNR, awaits word from computers

RENO – Now it’s up to the computers.

UNLV’s football team beat rival UNR 42-17 on Saturday night at Reno’s Mackay Stadium and with the victory moved into a four-way tie atop the Mountain West.

It means four computer metrics will now decide which two teams among UNLV, Boise State, New Mexico and San Diego State will play in the conference title game on Friday.

The host team will also be known when the matchup is announced between 7 and 8 a.m Sunday.

All four teams are 6-2 in conference.

The Rebels (10-2) beat UNR for a fourth straight season and assured the Fremont Cannon will remain red for yet another year.

The 10 wins is just the fourth time in school history UNLV has recorded double-digit victories in a season and first time in consecutive years.

It was 28-3 at halftime as the Rebels saw Jai’Den “Jet Thomas,” score twice over the opening 30 minutes. He had touchdown runs of 17 and 18 yards.

Anthony Colandrea also ran for a score and had a 17-yard scoring pass to Troy Omeire as the Rebels took total control.

Thomas added two more scores in the second half, making it the second time in his career that he had four touchdowns in a game.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.