UNLV Holds Off Tulane Rally

By Brad Wilson | AP News Updated: Dec. 18, 2025, 12:58 a.m.

LAS VEGAS —

UNLV outlasted Tulane 45-42 on Thursday night in a high-scoring showdown at Allegiant Stadium that featured explosive quarterback play, a dominant rushing performance and more than 1,000 yards of combined offense.

The Rebels leaned on a balanced attack and timely fourth-quarter execution to secure the win, snapping a one-game skid and handing Tulane its second straight loss to open the season.

UNLV quarterbacks Alex Orji and Anthony Colandrea combined to complete 26 of 30 passes. Orji threw for 204 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing score, while Colandrea came off the bench and completed 11 of 12 passes to steady the offense during key stretches.

“We had confidence in both guys,” UNLV Coach Glovas said. “They took care of the football and made the plays that were there.”

Running back Jai’Den Thomas provided the difference on the ground, rushing for 175 yards on 19 carries. He consistently broke chunk plays and helped UNLV control the tempo late in the game as Tulane attempted to rally.

Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff delivered a standout performance in defeat. After struggling in the opener, Retzlaff completed 13 of 15 passes for 342 yards and five touchdowns, repeatedly pushing the ball downfield against the UNLV secondary.

“He responded the right way,” Tulane coach Evan Wilkins said. “He trusted his reads and let it rip.”

Tulane’s offense kept pace throughout, trading scores in a back-and-forth contest that saw both teams surpass 500 total yards. Retzlaff’s fifth touchdown pass pulled the Green Wave within three points late, but UNLV was able to run out the clock behind Thomas’ rushing.

UNLV finished with 542 yards of offense and improved to 1-1 on the season. Tulane fell to 0-2 despite one of the most efficient passing performances in school history.

The game sailed past the projected total and lived up to its billing as an offensive showcase, though both teams acknowledged defensive concerns moving forward.

“We know we have things to clean up,” the UNLV coach said. “But wins like this matter, especially at home.”

Tulane will look to regroup as conference play approaches, encouraged by the emergence of its passing game despite another narrow loss.