.Max Olson, ESPN Staff WriterSep 28, 2024, 08:48 PM ETCloseCovers the Huge 12Joined ESPN in 2012Graduate of the University of NebraskaLAS VEGAS-- UNLV brought in a statement Saturday in its own 1st game without previous starting quarterback Matthew Sluka: The Rebels are actually visiting be only fine.Rolling to a prevalent 59-14 gain Fresno State as well as moving to 4-0, UNLV verified it'll be actually an opponent in the Mountain West competition irrespective of its own quarterback change.Hajj-Malik Williams tossed for 182 gardens, rushed for 119 yards as well as accounted for four total goals in his first beginning for the Rebels after Sluka opted to leave the plan on Wednesday over an issue regarding his NIL settlement." It was actually service customarily," UNLV train Barry Odom claimed. "We have actually acquired an extremely fully grown team. ... Our players, we have actually obtained tough management. They understand the goal that our team're on as well as they obtained it done." Williams, a sixth-year elderly and also FCS transmission from Campbell, participated in the Rebels in January and dropped a near competitors along with Sluka in autumn camp. The 24-year-old quarterback played in 41 activities at Campbell, leaving behind as the plan's profession innovator in passing lawns and also goals, and also awaited his chance." I presumed he was effective, I presumed he was actually reliable," Odom pointed out. "I presumed the outrageous line performed a tremendous task guarding him. I believed the recipients managed terrific routes. I presumed the runners operated hard. Our company played well as an outburst." UNLV pass receiver Ricky White III led the Rebels along with a season-high 10 catches for 127 lawns as well as 2 touchdowns and pointed out the quarterback change was "undoubtedly great for our company."" He is actually simply an excellent quarterback that us, as an offense, our company can move behind as well as simply pass his speed," White said.After beginning three ready UNLV, Sluka opted to redshirt as well as is actually counted on to get into the transactions site in December. Sluka's father and also broker have actually alleged he was vocally promised $100,000 through UNLV repulsive coordinator Brennan Marion in the course of his employment however obtained simply $3,000 from the college's NIL cumulative. UNLV stated in a statement that Sluka's reps created economic requirements for him to maintain participating in that it took "an offense of NCAA pay-for-play regulations, in addition to Nevada condition law." Publisher's Picks2 RelatedOdom read from an equipped claim in the course of his postgame news conference and also did not take concerns regarding Sluka. He pointed out UNLV abided by applicable rules as well as is devoted to the development and success of every player in the plan." Lots of have shared really tough opinions regarding the events of last week without complete expertise of the facts, without complete expertise of the celebrations of recently and without full know-how of the rules in the ever-changing, growing NIL unit," Odom pointed out. "And also regrettably, some have also used this situation as a platform for their personal programs. I recognize every person's right to a point of view, and I will not discuss others' point of views or even their incentives for expressing all of them." White also possessed an information for Circa Athletics Chief Executive Officer Derek Stevens after the Vegas online casino showed passion in delivering $100,000 to always keep Sluka on the crew, informing the Las Vegas Review-Journal that doing this will deserve it "to maintain the Rebels' playoff hopes to life."" I would certainly inquire that somebody communicate to the Circa CEO and also ask him, keeping that $100,000 that he wished to donate, give it to our O-line please," White said.The Rebels broke a six-game losing touch versus Fresno Condition and accomplished the plan's initial 4-0 start since 1976 along with a solid time with all 3 periods of the game. Their protection made 4 interceptions as well as four sacks while making it possible for simply 30 rushing backyards, and also their unique crews supplied a blocked punt that White came back for a goal in the 1st fourth plus a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown through Jai'Den Thomas in the fourth quarter.The victory keeps UNLV in the race for the increased 12-team University Football Playoff as well as wraps up a chaotic full week for a sports team that was actually at the same time dealing with the current around of association realignment in college athletics.UNLV formally chose to continue to be in the Mountain range West on Thursday, turning down a transfer to the Pac-12 observing that organization's add-on of Boise State, Colorado Condition, Fresno Condition, San Diego Condition and Utah Condition for 2026. The 7 staying colleges in the Hill West consented to a grant of liberties that will certainly tie them to the conference with 2031-32. After presently beating Major 12 members Houston as well as Kansas in nonconference play, UNLV receives one more opportunity to remove an Electrical power 4 opponent and also boost its own CFP ru00e9sumu00e9 when it organizes 3-1 Syracuse on Friday." Our guys are going to turn the web page actually rapidly," Odom stated. "I could possibly say to in the closet area our experts prepare to accomplish that and also climb on to the next video game.".