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Utah running back Brandon Warfield breaks free from UNLV defender John Andrews, bottom, during the fourth quarter Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003, in Las Vegas.
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Oct 18, 2003
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Quarterback Alex Smith threw for 204 yards and one touchdown to lead the Utah Utes past UNLV 28-10 on Saturday.
Smith completed 15-of-23 passes and rushed for 97 yards to help the Utes (6-1, 3-0 Mountain West Conference) get off to their best start since 1999, when they posted the same record.
The Rebels (4-3) dropped to 0-2 in MWC play and have loss eight straight to Utah.
Smith tossed a 79-pass to Ben Moa late in the first quarter to set up a Brandon Warfield 4-yard score, pushing the Utes to a 7-0 lead.
Utah recovered a fumble by UNLV quarterback Kurt Nantkes on the Rebels first play from scrimmage. Four plays later, Smith connected with Steve Savoy with :48 remaining in the first quarter to make it 14-0.
UNLV responded with a 16-yard touchdown reception to Earvin Johnson with 12:03 left in second quarter. The Utes rebuilt the lead to 21-7 on a Warfield 8-yard run with 8:38 left in the half.
The Rebels were led by running back Larry Croom, who rushed for 114 yards on 21 carries. Nantkes threw for 227 yards and a touchdown on 13-of-31 passing, but fumbled twice in the game.
Utah offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu was ejected with 12:15 in the third quarter after kicking UNLV defensive lineman Howie Fuimaono in the head at the end of a play. Kemoeatu had to sit the first half of Saturday's game because he was ejected in the second half of last week's 27-6 win against San Diego State at home.
UNLV defensive back Ruschard Dodd-Masters also was ejected for chest bumping
an official in the fourth quarter.
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