Matthew Sluka spoils Houston coach Willie Fritz’s debut as UNLV beats Cougars 27-7 in opener

HOUSTON — Matthew Sluka threw for 71 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 59 yards as UNLV beat Houston 27-7 on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams and Willie Fritz’s first game as Cougars coach.

Sluka, who completed 6 of 13 passes, threw touchdown passes of 13 and 24 yards to Jacob DeJesus in the first half as the Rebels (1-0) led 14-0 at halftime.

Jalen Catalon, who finished with two interceptions, had a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Michael Allen ran for 65 yards and Jaden Braden caught two passes for 60 yards. UNLV outscored Houston 308-247 yards.

UNLV earned its first win over a Big 12 team since beating Iowa State 34-31 in overtime on Sept. 20, 2008.

Donovan Smith completed 15 of 30 passes for 135 yards and two interceptions. Mekhi Mews caught three passes for 57 yards for Houston (0-1).

The Cougars avoided a shutout on a 2-yard touchdown pass from sophomore backup Ui Ale to Joseph Manjack IV with a minute left in the fourth quarter. Ale completed 7 of 8 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown on the drive.

TAKE AWAY

UNLV: The Rebels dominated both lines of scrimmage. UNLV ran for 195 yards. UNLV’s defense finished with 10 tackles for loss, including six sacks. Jackson Woodard finished with 11 tackles, including three sacks.

Houston: The Cougars struggled to hold their own against UNLV’s charge throughout the game. Houston rushed for 59 yards in the first half. The Cougars finished with 2 of their 15 third downs.

FOLLOWING

UNLV: Hosts Utah Tech on Saturday.

Houston: At No. 16 Oklahoma on Saturday.