LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Marcus Stokes threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns and added 45 yards rushing as Memphis defeated UNLV 27-21 on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.

Memphis trailed 14-7 at halftime but erupted for 17 points in the third quarter. Stokes found Hunter Tipton for a 16-yard touchdown and connected with Stonka Burnside for a 48-yard score. J. Carter added a 36-yard touchdown run. Patrick Laforge kicked field goals of 32 and 36 yards in the second half.

Jackson Arnold paced UNLV, completing 25 of 37 passes for 291 yards and two TDs while rushing for a score. Tavian McNair caught a 38-yard touchdown and Kayden McGee added a 22-yard touchdown catch. Jaylon Glover rushed five times for 49 yards.

Zach Ruffin recorded 13 tackles for Memphis, Mike Montgomery added 10 and Elijah Kinsler collected 2.5 sacks. Jake Pope had 13 tackles for UNLV.

Memphis (1-0) hosts Arkansas State next. UNLV (0-1) travels to Hawaii.