FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Interstat) — Anthony Colandrea passed for two touchdowns and rushed for two more as UNLV scored 35 unanswered points to dominate Colorado State 42-10 on Saturday at Canvas Stadium.

The Runnin’ Rebels, who were 4.5-point underdogs according to Interstat, flipped the script on the pregame projections in a decisive road victory. After a sluggish first quarter, UNLV’s offense exploded, outgaining the Rams and controlling the game from the second quarter onward.

Colorado State struck first, capping a methodical 15-play, 80-yard opening drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Brousseau to tight end Rocky Beers. The Rams’ early 7-0 lead, however, would be their high point.

UNLV’s offense found its rhythm in the second quarter, tying the game on a 57-yard touchdown run by Jalen Thomas. The Runnin’ Rebels then took a lead they would not relinquish on a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Colandrea. Just before halftime, UNLV extended its advantage to 21-10 on a 6-yard touchdown run by Jordan Glover.

The Rebels poured it on in the third quarter. Colandrea connected with Tobias Omeire for a 68-yard touchdown pass, and later added his second rushing score of the day from 2 yards out, pushing the lead to 35-10.

Colandrea, a quarterback from Saint Petersburg, Florida, finished an efficient day, completing 15 of 22 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while adding 33 yards and two scores on the ground. His final touchdown pass was a 39-yard strike to Taeshaun Lyons in the fourth quarter to seal the 42-10 final.

Defensively, UNLV was led by linebacker Blesyng Alualu-Tuiolemotu, who recorded 10 tackles. The Rebels’ defense stifled the Rams after their initial scoring drive, holding them to just a second-quarter field goal.

For Colorado State, Brousseau completed 13 of 22 passes for 153 yards and one touchdown. Jalen Dupree was a bright spot in the Rams’ backfield, rushing for 56 yards on 13 carries. Beers led all receivers with 61 yards and a touchdown on four catches.

Defensively, the Rams were led by linebacker Jaseim Mitchell, who had 10 tackles, and defensive back Jace Bellah, who added nine tackles and an interception.

The loss extends a difficult season for Colorado State, which falls to 2-7. The Rams will look to regroup next Saturday when they travel to face New Mexico.

UNLV improves to 7-2 with the victory, solidifying a strong season. The Runnin’ Rebels return home to host Utah State next Saturday.