Jai’Den Thomas powers UNLV past Akron with three touchdowns in 38-10 win.

AKRON, Ohio — Jackson Arnold threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns, while Jai’Den Thomas totaled 167 yards and scored three times as UNLV defeated Akron 38-10 on Saturday. Thomas opened his scoring with a 40-yard touchdown reception after finding space along the sideline, tying the game at 7-7. He added another touchdown on a short reception in the second quarter before scoring again on a 16-yard run in the fourth quarter.

The rushing touchdown was the 38th of Thomas’ career and extended UNLV’s lead to 21-10 after the Rebels opened the second half with a scoring drive. Thomas finished the game with 113 rushing yards on 15 carries and three receptions for 54 yards. Taz Reddicks also delivered a big performance for UNLV, recording 116 receiving yards and a 59-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The Rebels improved to 2-2 and continued their strong road record against non-Mountain West opponents, winning seven of their last eight such games.

UNLV's defense intercepted Akron quarterback Brayden Roggow three times. Mumu Bin-Wahad, Tre Fulton and Cam Santee each recorded a pick. Fulton intercepted a pass in the first quarter after a throw from Akron running back Jordan Gant was tipped. Santee later came away with an interception after a deflected pass bounced directly toward him following a bad snap. Roggow completed 14 of 25 passes for 194 yards and two interceptions for Akron, which dropped to 1-3. UNLV finished with 493 total yards, compared with 301 for Akron.

Up next

UNLV returns home next Saturday to face California. Akron travels to Central Michigan next Saturday.