Las Vegas – Rocky Hinds threw for a career-high 351 yards and two touchdowns and David Peeples had two touchdown runs to help UNLV snap a 10-game losing streak with a 42-39 victory over Air Force on Friday night.
The Rebels scored 16 straight points in the second half to take the lead for good, including a 2-yard scamper from Peeples for a 32-31 advantage with 6:35 remaining in the third quarter.
Ronnie Smith added a 3-yard touchdown run and Sergio Aguayo kicked a 21-yard field goal, redeeming himself after having two extra points blocked.
The Rebels (2-10, 1-7 Mountain West) scored on four of their first five possessions, capped by Hinds’ 22-yard scoring strike to Aaron Straiten on the last play of the first half for a 26-24 lead.
“We showed we are going to be able to do some things next year,” said Hinds, who completed 26-of-34 passes. “When we play like this, we can’t be stopped. We can put as many points as we’d like.”
Casey Flair had eight catches for 100 yards and a touchdown for UNLV, while Ryan Wolfe had six receptions for 108 yards. Peeples had 23 carries for 92 yards.
“That was a great foundation for the future of this program,” UNLV coach Mike Sanford said. “I’m excited about next year already.”
“The thing that is good about this game is that we did the things you need to do to win. Tonight we did the things that you need to do to win and I think that is a good thing for the foundation for the future of this program.”
Air Force (4-7, 3-4) lost for the fifth time in its past six games, giving up a season high in points. The Falcons will close their season Dec. 3 at TCU.
Shaun Carney passed for 211 yards and four touchdowns for the Falcons. He also had as 1-yard scoring run for a 31-26 advantage at the 11:08 mark of the third quarter.
But Air Force surrendered 16 straight points before Carney found Victor Thompson for a 5-yard TD with 2:26 to play.
