Despite their team suffering a 37-22 loss at the hands of the Cyclones on Saturday, UNLV quarterback Jason Thomas and wide receiver Nate Turner each turned in outstanding individual offensive performances against the ISU defense. Playing in his first game since his high school All-American days, Thomas took little time to shake the rust off. On the Rebels’ first offensive series, Thomas converted on two third downs; throwing to Turner for 17 yards on 3rd and 16, and running for a 45-yard touchdown on 3rd and 8. The next five UNLV offensive series featured several miscues, including a Thomas interception and fumble. However, he then connected with Turner several times for big gains, only to see the UNLV rushing attack sputter, leaving them with no option other than to punt. But the Rebel offense bounced back late in the third quarter behind the efforts of Thomas and Turner. With just 2:03 remaining in the third quarter, Thomas hooked up with Turner for a 56- yard touchdown play that saw the senior NFL prospect to find the hole in the ISU secondary, and then outrun them. On their next offensive series, Thomas hit Turner again, this time for a 31 yard strike that capped off a five play, 57-yard scoring drive. Thomas continued to scramble and run for the remainder of the game, closing out his debut with one touchdown and 107 yards rushing on 21 attempts. He completed 9 of 21 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns (both to Turner), and one interception. Turner finished his big day with six catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for all but 50 of the Rebels’ 190 yards receiving. Just as he had the week before the game, ISU coach Dan McCarney was quick to sing the praises of Thomas after the game. “Jason Thomas is major league player. Seeing him in person is about what we expected based on what everybody has said about him. Coach Robinson said that he’s the best quarterback prospect he’s ever been around and I can see why,” he added, “many, many times we had him and he got away from us because he’s such a good athlete and competitor. I’m glad we got that one behind us as a win, and we don’t have to face Jason again,” McCarney said.