The Runnin’ Rebels are Back: UNLV’s Gutsy Start to the 2024 College Football Season
For decades, UNLV has been synonymous with basketball greatness, earning its fame as the home of the "Runnin’ Rebels." However, in 2024, it's not the basketball court but the football field where the Rebels are making headlines. UNLV football is off to a roaring start this season, achieving something the program hasn't seen since 1984—a 3-0 opening record. This success is no fluke; it's built on grit, determination, and the electrifying play of a transfer quarterback who’s rewriting the script for the Rebels. Matt Sluka, a dual-threat sensation who joined UNLV this summer after a stellar career at Holy Cross, is bringing a new level of excitement to the team. After leading the Rebels to two statement victories over Big 12 opponents, Sluka has the Runnin' Rebels not just running, but sprinting toward the top of the Group of Five (G5) rankings with aspirations of making the new 12-team College Football Playoff.
A New Star in the Desert: Matt Sluka's Arrival
UNLV fans were buzzing when Matt Sluka announced his transfer from Holy Cross, where he left a legacy as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in FCS history. Over four seasons with the Crusaders, Sluka threw for 5,916 yards and 59 touchdowns while adding another 3,583 yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground. He also set the NCAA Division I record for rushing yards in a game by a quarterback with a jaw-dropping 330-yard performance against Lafayette. His dual-threat capabilities perfectly align with what Rebels offensive coordinator Brennan Marion and head coach Barry Odom want to achieve, and his early performances have proven he’s the right man for the job.
"Sluka Doncic" and the Perfect Fit at UNLV
Sluka’s transition to UNLV has been seamless, quickly earning the nickname “Sluka Doncic” after a play reminiscent of NBA star Luka Doncic. In a game against Houston, Sluka used backward bounce pass off the turf right into the hands of senior wide receiver Jacob De Jesus, res. This type of improvisational play perfectly encapsulates what Sluka brings to the table—creativity, poise under pressure, and the ability to make something out of nothing.
In his short time with the Rebels, Sluka has already demonstrated that he can lead and inspire a team. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has added a new dimension to UNLV's offense, which has thrived under his leadership. His arrival comes at a perfect time for a program looking to reclaim its status in college football, and early returns suggest that Sluka could be the one to lead UNLV to new heights.
A Gritty Win Over Kansas: UNLV’s Defining Moment
The Rebels' 23-20 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday night in Kansas City is the perfect example of the team's newfound grit and determination under Sluka's leadership. The win wasn't pretty, but it was the type of battle-tested performance that Coach Barry Odom wanted to see from his team early in the season.
“Early on it was tough sledding. It was ugly," Odom said after the game. "I think Kansas is a good football team. We had to stay in the fight. We just found a way.”
Indeed, finding a way became the theme of the night for the Rebels. After falling behind 17-6 in the second quarter, largely due to Kansas QB Jalon Daniels’ touchdown runs and a field goal by kicker Tabor Allen, UNLV needed a spark. The turning point came when Daniels threw a critical interception on 3rd and 11 from their own 33-yard line, setting up UNLV with an opportunity to tighten the game before halftime.
Sluka capitalized, connecting with Jai'Den Thomas for a 27-yard touchdown as time expired in the first half, narrowing the Jayhawks' lead to 17-13. From there, UNLV chipped away, with Caden Chittenden adding a field goal to bring the Rebels within a point at 17-16. Kansas, meanwhile, stalled offensively, managing only a single field goal in the second half.
The Rebels’ crowning moment came on an 18-play, 75-yard drive that lasted over nine minutes in the fourth quarter. Remarkably, all 18 plays were runs, showcasing the team’s determination and Sluka’s influence on the ground. The drive saw the Rebels convert a crucial 4th and 1 at the Jayhawk 2-yard line, only to be pushed back by a personal foul penalty. Unphased, Sluka and the Rebels kept pushing, and Kylin James eventually punched it in from one yard out to give UNLV the 23-20 lead and the win.
Sluka's passing numbers weren't flashy—7 of 18 for 86 yards—but his ground game was dominant, racking up 124 yards on 19 carries. It was a performance that showed his versatility and toughness, attributes that have come to define this Rebels team.
Looking Ahead: Can UNLV Continue Their Run?
Now sitting at 3-0, the Rebels have a tough road ahead with matchups against Fresno State, Syracuse, Oregon State, Boise State, and other formidable Mountain West opponents. The path won't be easy, but with Sluka at the helm and a defense that has proven it can hold strong, UNLV is positioned to make a serious run. The Rebels are not just aiming for a bowl game; they have their sights set on being the highest-ranked G5 team, potentially crashing the new 12-team College Football Playoff.
While it’s still early in the season, one thing is clear: these Rebels are running with a purpose. Led by a quarterback who has already cemented himself as a fan favorite and team leader, UNLV has the talent, the heart, and the momentum to make some serious noise in 2024.
Stay tuned, college football fans. The Runnin’ Rebels are just getting started.
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