Rebels’ effort not questioned

When UNLV gave up 28 fourth-quarter points in its 63-28 loss Oct. 3 at UNR, questions were raised about whether the Rebels quit.

Though the Rebels lost their next two games, their effort hasn't been faulted since, especially in Saturday's 35-15 home loss to then-No. 24 Utah.

UNLV trailed 28-6 at halftime but crept to within 28-15 in the third quarter to steal momentum. The Rebels almost got closer before a fake field-goal attempt went awry.

"We were fed up," end/linebacker Jason Beauchamp said. "We had had enough. There were no excuses, there was no pointing fingers, there were no moral victories. We really wanted to win that game. What it showed me is the guys wanted it so bad, there was no giving in no matter what the score was because we were playing for pride."

UNLV is 2-5 (0-3 Mountain West Conference) heading into Saturday's 5 p.m. PDT game at New Mexico (0-6, 0-2).

The Lobos could view the game in much the same way.

• CLOSING IN -- While in the process of smashing UNLV's career records for catches and reception yards, senior Ryan Wolfe is on the cusp of becoming the top receiver in Mountain West history.

He needs four catches to move into first in the conference, in its 11th season. Wolfe has 259 receptions.

The conference's yardage record also is within reach. Wolfe is fourth with 3,274 yards, 360 behind record holder David Anderson of Colorado State.

If Wolfe continues at his current pace, a 77-yard average, he will take over the No. 1 spot in the Nov. 28 season finale against San Diego State.

• ON-THE-JOB TRAINING -- New Mexico interim coach George Barlow would like to become a head coach one day.

For now, he will have the position for one game, taking over for Mike Locksley, suspended for allegedly striking an assistant.

"This is definitely a good way to kind of see where you're at," Barlow said. "It's unfortunate the way it came about, but I need to embrace it and have fun with it and make sure I go at it 100 percent."

Barlow went to New Mexico after 10 seasons at James Madison, including the last five as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

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