.Maximum Olson, ESPN Staff WriterSep 28, 2024, 08:48 PM ETCloseCovers the Big 12Joined ESPN in 2012Graduate of the College of NebraskaLAS VEGAS-- UNLV made a declaration Sunday in its own 1st game without previous beginning quarterback Matthew Sluka: The Rebels are actually visiting be actually simply fine.Rolling to a leading 59-14 get Fresno Condition as well as transferring to 4-0, UNLV proved it'll be an opponent in the Mountain West race despite its own quarterback change.Hajj-Malik Williams threw for 182 gardens, rushed for 119 yards as well as made up 4 complete touchdowns in his 1st start for the Rebels after Sluka decided to leave behind the plan on Wednesday over a dispute about his NIL compensation." It was service customarily," UNLV trainer Barry Odom claimed. "We have actually obtained a quite fully grown crew. ... Our players, our experts have actually acquired tough leadership. They understand the purpose that our experts're on and also they acquired it done." Williams, a sixth-year elderly and also FCS transmission from Campbell, signed up with the Rebels in January and lost a near competitors with Sluka in autumn camp. The 24-year-old quarterback played in 41 games at Campbell, leaving as the program's profession innovator in passing lawns as well as touchdowns, and also awaited his chance." I presumed he was effective, I assumed he was effective," Odom pointed out. "I thought the annoying line did an enormous task securing him. I believed the receivers managed terrific routes. I assumed the distance runners ran hard. Our company participated in effectively as an outburst." UNLV pass receiver Ricky White III led the Rebels along with a season-high 10 catches for 127 gardens as well as two goals and stated the quarterback modification was "undoubtedly helpful for our company."" He's simply a terrific quarterback that our company, as an offense, our company can rally at the back of and also simply pass his pace," White said.After beginning 3 games for UNLV, Sluka opted to redshirt and also is anticipated to enter the transmission website in December. Sluka's father and also broker have actually affirmed he was actually vocally assured $100,000 through UNLV annoying coordinator Brennan Marion during the course of his recruitment however acquired simply $3,000 from the university's NIL collective. UNLV pointed out in a statement that Sluka's representatives created monetary demands for him to keep participating in that it took "an infraction of NCAA pay-for-play rules, and also Nevada condition regulation." Publisher's Picks2 RelatedOdom read coming from a prepared claim during his postgame news conference as well as carried out not take inquiries pertaining to Sluka. He stated UNLV adhered to suitable rules and also is actually dedicated to the growth and success of every gamer in the plan." A lot of have shared incredibly powerful opinions about the activities of last week without full knowledge of the truths, without total knowledge of the events of recently as well as without full know-how of the regulation in the ever-changing, advancing NIL body," Odom stated. "As well as unfortunately, some have even utilized this situation as a system for their own programs. I respect everybody's right to an opinion, and I won't comment on others' viewpoints or even their incentives for conveying them." White also possessed a message for Circa Sports Chief Executive Officer Derek Stevens after the Las vega gambling enterprise showed enthusiasm in offering $100,000 to always keep Sluka on the crew, telling the Sin city Review-Journal that accomplishing this will be worth it "to maintain the Rebels' playoff wishes alive."" I would inquire that someone communicate to the Circa chief executive officer and also ask him, with that said $100,000 that he wanted to contribute, give it to our O-line feel free to," White said.The Rebels broke a six-game losing touch versus Fresno State as well as achieved the course's 1st 4-0 begin due to the fact that 1976 along with a tough day with all 3 phases of the video game. Their defense produced 4 interceptions and also 4 sacks while making it possible for just 30 rushing gardens, and also their unique teams delivered an obstructed punt that White came back for a touchdown in the first quarter plus a 90-yard kickoff return goal through Jai'Den Thomas in the 4th quarter.The triumph keeps UNLV in the race for the increased 12-team College Football Playoff and ends a turbulent week for a sports department that was at the same time taking care of the current sphere of event realignment in university athletics.UNLV officially made a decision to continue to be in the Mountain West on Thursday, denying a relocate to the Pac-12 observing that league's enhancement of Boise Condition, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego Condition as well as Utah Condition for 2026. The seven staying institutions in the Hill West consented to a grant of civil rights that are going to tie them to the event with 2031-32. After currently defeating Big 12 participants Houston and also Kansas in nonconference play, UNLV gets another opportunity to remove a Power 4 enemy and also strengthen its CFP ru00e9sumu00e9 when it organizes 3-1 Syracuse on Friday." Our fellas are going to turn the page definitely rapidly," Odom stated. "I could say to in the closet room our experts're ready to accomplish that as well as climb on to the following game.".