Lobos’ troubles make UNLV look good

Cheer up, UNLV football fans. At least you don't root for New Mexico.

True, the Rebels (2-5, 0-3 Mountain West Conference) have won only twice this season. But the Lobos (0-6, 0-2) have lost 10 in a row and are off to their worst start in 22 years.

Speculation that he'll be fired has hounded UNLV coach Mike Sanford since a 63-28 loss to rival UNR on Oct. 3.

But he's expected to be on the sideline Saturday when the Rebels take on New Mexico at 5 p.m. PDT in Albuquerque. The same can't be said of first-year Lobos coach Mike Locksley, who is serving a one-game suspension for allegedly striking an assistant coach.

Assistant head coach George Barlow, overseeing the team in Locksley's absence, said the coaches and players have handled the situation well and remain focused despite the controversy.

But this certainly can't be what New Mexico athletic director Paul Krebs envisioned when he hired Locksley, who had spent the previous four seasons as Illinois' offensive coordinator.

Locksley followed Rocky Long, who resigned after coaching his alma mater for 11 seasons and winning a school-record 65 games at a place known for football futility.

After taking the job, Locksley said he was in the unique situation of trying to build rather than rebuild.

But controversy quickly followed.

Former football secretary Sylvia Lopez, 54, filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in April alleging sexual harassment, age discrimination and retaliation. She later reached an agreement with the school and Locksley.

The field has been no refuge. Playing 22 first-year players, the Lobos have stumbled to their worst start since an 0-11 record in 1987.

"Even though we're having a bad season, you can see the potential and the progression of each player because they want to play, they want to be coached, they want to learn," Lobos senior safety Frankie Solomon said.

Receivers coach J.B. Gerald filed a police report accusing Locksley of striking him at a coaches meeting Sept. 20.

Krebs initially reprimanded Locksley. But after the school's human resources department stepped in and investigated the incident, the AD handed down a one-game, 10-day suspension, during which Locksley must stay off campus and can have no contact with his team.

Locksley addressed his players shortly after the incident with Gerald.

"He taught us if you're a man and you have a problem, you've got to own up to the problem ... and accept responsibility," Solomon said. "That's also a learning tool for the players. I think that really won a lot of guys over."

Winning over an opponent is another matter, but Saturday's game could be New Mexico's best chance.

UNLV was initially a 3-point favorite, but the line now favors the Lobos by a point.

"Any time you can get a win, it swings momentum," Solomon said. "That will make a lot of guys feel great and put us in the right direction to turn the season around."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Read the latest UNLV football updates at lvrj.com/blogs/unlv_sports.