Colandrea erupts as UNLV survives UConn in 62–52 Week 6 shootout

Keith Groller, The Stateline Gazette

LAS VEGAS — Anthony Colandrea delivered one of the most explosive performances of the Stateline season, throwing for 562 yards and seven touchdowns as UNLV outlasted UConn 62–52 on Thursday night.

The Rebels piled up 662 total yards and answered every Huskies surge, using a dominant third quarter to create just enough separation in a game where points came in waves.

“It was one of those nights where everything was clicking,” UNLV head coach Matt Glovas said. “When your quarterback is seeing it that clearly, your job as a coach is to stay out of the way.”

Early punch, then a Rebel response

UConn struck first, jumping out to a 14–7 lead after the opening quarter as quarterback Joe Fagnano and running back Cam Edwards found early success attacking the edges and exploiting coverage matchups.

UNLV responded quickly. Colandrea ignited a late-second-quarter scoring burst, flipping the momentum and sending the Rebels into halftime with a 28–24 lead.

“We knew we couldn’t trade jabs all night,” Glovas said. “We needed to land something big, and our guys did.”

Third-quarter avalanche

The game tilted decisively in the third quarter, when UNLV exploded for 21 unanswered points to stretch the lead to 49–31. Colandrea shredded the secondary with quick reads and deep strikes, repeatedly finding receivers in space.

Wide receiver Daejon Reynolds delivered a historic night, catching 12 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. Troy Omeire added five catches for 130 yards and three scores, while tight end Var’Keyes Gumms contributed 110 yards and a touchdown, leaving UConn with no clean answers.

“When you’ve got that many weapons rolling, defenses are in trouble,” Glovas said. “That was as complete an offensive quarter as we’ve played all year.”

UConn fights to the finish

Despite the third-quarter surge, UConn refused to fold. Fagnano threw for 447 yards and five touchdowns, consistently attacking downfield and keeping the Huskies within reach.

Skyler Bell led the way with 11 receptions for 239 yards, while Edwards gashed UNLV on the ground for 163 rushing yards. Late scores from John Neider trimmed the deficit to 10 in the fourth quarter, but the Huskies could not get the decisive stop.

“I’m proud of how our guys kept competing,” UConn head coach Kyle Bojda said. “That’s an elite offense we just faced, and we kept answering.”

Too much firepower

UNLV ultimately proved too explosive. The Rebels converted mistakes into points and maintained relentless tempo, finishing drives with ruthless efficiency.

“We gave up too many explosive plays,” Bojda said. “Against a quarterback like Colandrea, one mistake turns into seven points in a hurry.”

UNLV improved to 4–2, staying firmly in the West Division race. UConn dropped to 1–5, though the offensive showing hinted at potential growth down the stretch.

“We’re close,” Bojda said. “We just have to clean up the details.”

On a night where defense took a back seat, UNLV walked away with the win — and one of the most jaw-dropping offensive performances of the Stateline season.

UNLV 62, UConn 52

Team statistics UNLV — 662 total yards; 21 rushing attempts, 100 yards, 2 TDs; 29 of 33 passing, 562 yards, 7 TDs UConn — 589 total yards; 18 rushing attempts, 142 yards, 2 TDs; 28 of 42 passing, 447 yards, 5 TDs

Passing UNLV — Anthony Colandrea 29-33-562, 7 TDs UConn — Joe Fagnano 28-42-447, 5 TDs

Rushing UNLV — Jai’Den Thomas 16-79, TD; Anthony Colandrea 5-21, TD UConn — Cam Edwards 14-163, TD; Joe Fagnano 4-minus-21, TD

Receiving UNLV — Daejon Reynolds 12-283, 3 TDs; Troy Omeire 5-130, 3 TDs; Var’Keyes Gumms 8-110, TD; Jai’Den Thomas 4-39 UConn — Skyler Bell 11-239, TD; Reymello Murphy 7-69, TD; Juice Vereen 5-37, TD; John Neider 3-52, 2 TDs; Cam Edwards 2-50