Wyoming running back Markell Holman breaks 49-yard run against UNLV

Markell Holman turned a simple first-down handoff into a 49-yard gain during the final two minutes of Wyoming's 41-35 victory over UNLV on Saturday. The play occurred with the Rebels trailing by six points and holding all three timeouts. Holman stiff-armed linebacker Cam Santee, evaded tackle Lucas Conti, and spun away from senior defensive back Denver Harris. He used a free hand to regain balance before changing direction toward the right side of the field. Wyoming linemen Kalvin Janssen and Braylon Jenkins set screens, while backup quarterback Landon Sims delivered a key block. Holman was finally stopped by Andre Porter near the UNLV 3-yard line.

The Cowboys' rushing attack overwhelmed the Rebel defense, which allowed 351 total yards on the ground. Pro Football Focus data indicates UNLV missed 13 tackles during the contest, with six of those misses occurring on Holman's long run. Holman finished the game with 110 yards on 16 carries. Fellow running back Samuel Harris added 128 yards and two touchdowns on 17 attempts. Harris was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.

UNLV head coach Dan Mullen attributed the tackling issues to a roster depleted by injuries. "One, you've got a lot of guys banged up on the roster, so it's hard to do certain things sometimes, right?" Mullen said postgame. He noted that the team was missing a significant number of defensive starters. "As guys keep going down, I mean, I can go tackle every day at practice and no one to show up on Saturday," Mullen added. He emphasized the need for the defense to run to the ball and secure tackles.

Wyoming quarterback Tyler Hughes played only the first half due to a forearm fracture and a fumble in his own 5-yard line. He completed five of nine passes for 107 yards before being replaced by Sims. Hughes also ran for 71 yards on 12 attempts. Wide receiver Ke'Lyn Washom caught a 32-yard pass but left the game with a hip injury. Tight end Jake Wilson had a 56-yard performance, including an 18-yard touchdown reception from Sims on a trick play.

The Cowboys' offensive line prevented a single sack against UNLV. Left guard Josiah Petaia allowed zero pressures in the passing game, while center Chandler Donaway played all 75 offensive snaps without a single quarterback pressure. On defense, linebacker Steven Perez led the run defense with six tackles and four stops at the line of scrimmage. Ethan Stuhlsatz recorded three sacks and 10 total tackles, bringing his season total to 68.

Wyoming's defense also secured two interceptions. Senior defensive back Tyson Shamsid-Deen picked off a pass late in the second quarter after a tip by Gary Rutherford. Shamsid-Deen's second interception thwarted a potential UNLV touchdown drive with under two minutes remaining. The Cowboys' special teams unit, led by kicker Erik Sandvik, converted two field goals and five extra points. Sandvik was named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week.

UNLV has allowed 1,021 rushing yards over its last three games, an average of 6.5 yards per carry. The Rebels' defense is currently ranked 131st among 138 FBS teams. Wyoming returns home to face UTEP on Saturday night in El Paso. Hughes is listed as doubtful for that game due to his hand injury.