FSM Essential Game Recap: UNLV vs Northwestern - Week 3

Game Recap: UNLV vs Northwestern

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Northwestern and their Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald can use all the positive momentum from this win versus UNLV heading into Big Ten play. On the flip side, Tony Sanchez and his UNLV Rebels needed to rebound from an ugly loss to Arkansas St. UNLV vs Northwestern from Evanston, Illinois was a game that had more on the line than what met the eye.

Hunter Johnson threw his first career touchdown pass and ran in another Saturday afternoon when he led his Northwestern Wildcats past UNLV, 30-14. Drake Anderson ran for 141 yards and a touchdown while UNLV running back Charles Williams ran for 144 on 16 carries with touchdown runs of 65 and 37 yards. Both touchdowns came in the first half. UNLV quarterback Armani Rogers was 16 for 26 for 120 yards and an interception. He was sacked five times in the second half.

FSM Essential Game Recap: UNLV vs Northwestern - Week 3 | Franchise Sports Media — **Photo courtesy of UNLV Athletics**

The Wildcats defense did a great job containing in the second half and was much more aggressive upfront after the offense gave them a two-score advantage. “That forced UNLV to go into drop-back passes,” defensive end Joe Gaziano said. “I think there were only a couple plays in the first half where they actually had a true five-step, so for us, it was great to be able to get into our pass rush and execute what we want to do.”

Williams, the NCAA’s second-leading rusher who recorded his third straight 100-yard game, managed just 12 positive yards in the second half. UNLV tried to rally back with its passing game but offered too little too late. Still, Sanchez saw enough to like from his starter, Armani Rogers this week. “Armani looked like a whole other guy,” Sanchez said. “He was comfortable. He was poised. I was really proud of his performance; especially bouncing back from a week ago.” Look for Armani Rogers to be the Rebels starting quarterback going forward.