UNLV Falls Short Against Utah State Kurt Nantkes went 20-for-35 for 283 yards and a touchdown in the 31-21 loss.
 
Jamaal Brimmer, right, brings down Utah State's Rod McNeal by the facemask during the second quarter. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta)
Jamaal Brimmer, right, brings down Utah State's Rod McNeal by the facemask during the second quarter. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta)
 
 
 

Sept. 25, 2004

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Final Stats

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Robert Watts had two interceptions and returned one of them 90 yards for a touchdown to give Utah State a 31-21 victory over UNLV Saturday night.

The Aggies snapped a nine-game road losing streak with the win.

Watts' touchdown came with 9:22 left in the third quarter and gave the Aggies (2-2), who are off to their best start since 1997, a 21-14 lead after a two-point conversion.

His other interception, a 10-yard return to the UNLV 23-yard line with 2:32 left in the third, set up the last of three Ben Chaet field goals that put the Aggies in the lead for good, 24-21.

Aggies quarterback Travis Cox was 12-for-26 for 177 yards and one touchdown.

UNLV led in total yardage 50-291 but turned the ball over four times to Utah State's none.

Dominique Dorsey rushed for 189 yards on 18 carries for the Rebels, who are off to an 0-4 start for the fourth time in team history and the second time in four years.

UNLV Quarterback Kurt Nantkes went 20-for-35 for 283 yards and a touchdown, but threw for four interceptions. Earvin Johnson caught six passes for 90 yards.

UNLV tied the game at 21 on Shelvion Williams' first career catch, an 8-yard touchdown reception with 5:17 left in the third quarter.

But Utah State sealed the win when Cox found Tony Pennyman for a 79-yard touchdown pass down the right side with 4:16 left and went ahead 31-21. Pennyman had four catches for 119 yards.

The victory was Utah State's fifth-straight win at UNLV. The Aggies have won eight of the last nine meetings between the two teams.