At half-time against UNLV, the Spartans started slow, shot themselves in the foot with a few first half penalties, but began to assert their will and grinded the Rebels to a 17-10 lead to end the first half.
The half was highlighted by a 41-yard TD catch-and-blaze run by Spartan receiver Bailey Gaither. Gaither added a two-yard TD reception to cap the first half. Kicker Matt Mercurio also added a field goal and running back Tyler Nevens pounded in a 6-yard TD run; his second of the year.
The San Jose State defense, after a lengthy UNLV’s first drive in the first quarter, buckled down and began to settle in on the UNLV offense.