LAS VEGAS, NV — Hajj-Malik Williams threw for 244 yards and one touchdown and ran for two more to lead UNLV (8-2, 4-1 Mountain West Conference) to a 41-20 Mountain West Conference win Saturday over San Diego State University (3-7, 2-3) before 30,386 at Allegiant Stadium.
The Rebels amassed 515 total yards against the Aztecs. UNLV’s defense was staunch on third down, limiting the Aztecs to 3-of-12 on their attempts. Fisher Camac and Cameron Oliver had sacks, and Jalen Catalon had an interception and a sack.
UNLV took a 28-6 lead into the half. The game turned in the second quarter after Greg Burrell ended a nine-play, 70-yard drive with a 20-yard touchdown, and Jai’Den Thomas scored a 4-yard touchdown to give UNLV a 21-0 lead.
Aztec quarterback Danny O’Neil threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Louis Brown IV but failed to convert with Michael Harrison on the ensuing 2-point attempt.
Williams scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown after Jalen Catalon intercepted an O’Neil pass that set the Rebels up with a short field.
UNLV opened the second half with an eight-play, 73-yard drive highlighted by a 7-yard Williams touchdown run.
SDSU responded with a touchdown, with O'Neil finding the West Virginia transfer, Ja'Shaun Poke, for his first touchdown on a 46-yard strike.
O'Neil scored a touchdown on a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-goal in early fourth to make the score 38-20.
Williams was 20 of 29 for 244 yards for UNLV. Kaleo Ballungay caught three passes for 38 yards and one touchdown. Burrell carried 10 times for 58 yards and a touchdown.
O’Neil was 13 of 22 for 162 yards for the Aztecs. Poke caught three passes for 79 yards and one touchdown, Brown IV caught one pass for 29 yards and one touchdown.
The Aztecs have lost four consecutive games, ending their hopes of reaching the six wins required for bowl eligibility.
Next week, SDSU will travel to Logan, Utah, to face Utah State, and UNLV will travel to San Jose to face the Spartans.
