Evan Medders runs for three touchdowns as Air Force pulls away from UNLV

Air Force needed only three pass attempts to beat UNLV on Saturday. With Evan Medders directing a ground game that produced 430 yards, the Falcons kept finding room until the Rebels could no longer answer.

Medders rushed for 152 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-31 victory at Falcon Stadium. Air Force scored 21 consecutive points in the fourth quarter, turning a 24-20 deficit into a 17-point lead before UNLV added a late touchdown.

The Falcons improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the Mountain West with their fourth straight victory. UNLV fell to 4-3 and 2-1, taking its first conference loss.

Medders puts Air Force ahead for good

Jackson Arnold's second touchdown pass to Kayden McGee, an 8-yard completion with 1:41 left in the third quarter, had given UNLV a 24-20 lead. Air Force answered with a four-play, 75-yard drive, finished by Medders' 32-yard touchdown run six seconds into the fourth.

The Falcons then got the turnover that let them create breathing room. Alexander Perez forced a fumble, Air Force recovered, and Medders eventually scored from the 1 to make it 34-24 with 9:11 remaining. An 18-yard completion to Simon Kibbee helped advance that possession; it accounted for all of the Falcons' passing yardage.

After a UNLV punt, Rocco Conti broke a 50-yard run. Owen Allen finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 41-24 with 3:53 left. The Falcons had scored on four consecutive possessions after halftime.

Conti finished with 103 rushing yards and a touchdown. Allen added 96 yards and a score, while Gage LaDue gained 60 yards. Air Force totaled 448 yards of offense and committed no turnovers.

CBS Sports’ condensed game follows Medders and the Falcons through their fourth-quarter comeback.

A record kick cannot carry UNLV

UNLV had led 17-13 at halftime after Ethan Schwartz made a 60-yard field goal as the second quarter ended. Earlier, Arnold found McGee for a 60-yard touchdown, and Jai'Den Thomas scored on a 3-yard run.

Air Force's first touchdown came on a 24-yard Medders keeper. Carter Cremascoli added field goals of 37 and 34 yards, keeping the Falcons within range before their offense took over after the break. Conti's 6-yard touchdown run on the first possession of the second half briefly put Air Force ahead 20-17.

Arnold completed 21 of 33 passes for 246 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also led UNLV with 78 rushing yards and scored from the 3 with 38 seconds remaining. Air Force recovered the ensuing onside kick to end the Rebels' comeback chance.

McGee caught five passes for 99 yards and both receiving touchdowns. UNLV finished with 376 total yards, but its second-half opportunities became fewer as Air Force held the ball and kept converting its rushing gains into touchdowns.

Air Force travels to Wyoming on Friday. UNLV has an open date before hosting Northern Illinois on Oct. 31.