The UNLV football team forced New Mexico into a third down on the opening drive of the second half Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.

It was a critical moment for the Rebels, who had surrendered 31 points in the first half and trailed by 10.

Instead of forcing a punt, New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne found a wide-open Cade Keith underneath. Keith turned the completion into a 45-yard gain, racing deep into UNLV territory.

The play epitomized the Rebels’ defensive struggles in a 40-35 defeat.

UNLV hadn’t allowed a touchdown of more than 80 yards since 2018, yet surrendered two in the first half alone — extending defensive issues that have plagued them all season.

This was coming off a bye week.

Two weeks earlier, the Rebels gave up 558 yards and 56 points in a loss to Boise State. Three w

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