UNLV extends Huskies' losing streak

Jackson Arnold threw three touchdown passes to lead the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to a 31-24 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday night. The win dropped the Huskies' losing streak to 10 games.

Arnold finished the game 20-for-30 for 269 yards and two interceptions. He also rushed for 86 yards on 13 carries. UNLV improved to a 5-3 overall record and 3-1 in the Mountain West Conference.

The Rebels took the early lead on their first offensive play. Arnold rolled right and threw a deep pass to Jayden McGee, who caught the ball at the 30-yard line and sprinted 75 yards into the end zone. McGee finished with four receptions for 106 yards.

Jai'Den Thomas added a 60-yard rushing touchdown early in the second half to extend the UNLV lead by 14 points. Thomas finished with 114 rushing yards and a score on 16 carries. He now has 35 career rushing touchdowns, third in school history.

Northern Illinois attempted a comeback in the second half. Taron Dickens connected with DeAree Rogers on a 12-yard pass and later threw a 61-yard score to George Dimopoulos. Telly Johnson Jr. also ran in a 20-yard touchdown for the Huskies.

UNLV reasserted control late in the first half. JJ Schlenhardt kicked a 27-yard field goal to make it 17-10 with 10:15 left in the period. Arnold responded with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Keyan Burnett and a 2-yard score to Taeshaun Lyons to end the first half 24-17.