Mountain West Conference thread

[24champ]

All things that have to do with any school in the Mountain West go here. Im a big fan of the conference and have followed most of the schools in the old WAC days, I hope TCU goes undefeated and gets a BCS bid since Utah and BYU went down last week. I want the MWC to rival the Pac-10 and start being a major conference. I root for UNLV since I lived in Las Vegas for 12 years but hopefully we can turn it around since we sucked for a LONG time. Its a basketball school.;D


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[Irish Stout]

I think the mountain west conference already has more respect that the old WAC had. The addition of TCU really helps up the caliber of the conference. We just need BYU, Utah, Air Force and CSU to continue being strong football schools. The last two seemed to have plateaued from a few years ago.

[IrishConrad]

Now all the MWC needs is Frenso State.

I would love to see at least one Mtn west school knocking on the BCS door every year.

[24champ]

I think the mountain west conference already has more respect that the old WAC had. The addition of TCU really helps up the caliber of the conference. We just need BYU, Utah, Air Force and CSU to continue being strong football schools. The last two seemed to have plateaued from a few years ago.

yes but the big risk the conference took was accepting a 92 million dollar deal from CSTV for them to televise the Football games. I do not think people even know this channel outside of the areas of where the Schools are located. Staying with ESPN would have given us exposure but they offered something like 49 million for the conference to stay with ESPN. Its also risky deal considering San Diego and LV can't access the channel due to a dispute with Cox Cable. Im really hoping TCU can go undefeated and making it two teams in the MWC that went to a BCS game. Should spark some debate to allow MWC to get the piece of the BCS pie.

[24champ]

Game of the Week
Colorado (0-1) at Colorado State (1-0) — Saturday at 5 p.m. ET
Why to watch: Neither team is exactly doing backflips over the way the first week of the season went. Colorado State obliterated Weber State 30-6, but it did so without star RB Kyle Bell, who tore up his knee just before the year began. Colorado felt a different sort of pain losing a 19-10 shocker to Montana State to start off the Dan Hawkins era with a resounding thud. The Buffs have lost five straight going back to last year getting outscored 168 to 42 over the slide. Almost all can be forgiven with a win over the Rams in what might be college football's nastiest under-the-radar rivalry. Colorado has won the last three after losing three in a row. The last six games have all been decided by a touchdown or less
Why Colorado might win: Can Colorado State run the ball without Bell? It was able to grind out 149 yards on Weber State, but Colorado's run defense should be able to keep the mediocre Ram backfield from doing much of anything. That means the game will probably be in the hands of QB Caleb Hanie, who has talent, but will throw picks. The Buffs have to force turnovers and take advantage of every one because ...
Why Colorado State might win: ... the Buff offense has miles to go before it's productive on a consistent basis. QB James Cox struggled when he got in late last year, and he was flat-out awful last week completing a mere eight of 22 passes for 110 yards. The Rams appear to have a different attitude on defense this year looking to be tougher and more aggressive against the run. Take away the Colorado running game, and you take away the offense.
Who to watch: Buffs fans are itching to see what mutli-talented backup quarterback Bernard Jackson can do. He appeared to be ready to come into the MSU game late, but a turnover prevented it from happening. If Cox starts out like he did against the Bobcats, the Jackson era might begin. ... For Colorado State, the loss of Bell meant several backs got turns at bat. UCLA transfer and former defensive player Nnamdi Ohaeri, Michael Myers and Michael Johnson were able to combine for 111 yards against Weber State and all have to get in the mix against the Buffs. It would be nice if one could get hot and be the main man, but that's not likely to happen.
What will happen: Colorado isn't that bad, is it? The Buff offense will struggle, but the defense will make up for the problems by forcing several mistakes. This will be when CU's All-America placekicker shows off just how good he is.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 2.5
Line: Colorado State -2
Fearless Prediction: Colorado 22 ... Colorado State 20

Wyoming (1-0) at Virginia (0-1) — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Why to watch: Joe Glenn's Wyoming Cowboys have made their rounds in recent years taking on foes from BCS conferences, and a trip to Charlottesville is this year's date with a big boy. These two teams couldn't be coming from different ends of the confidence spectrum with the Cavaliers having been routed by Pittsburgh 38-13, while Wyoming walloped Utah State 38-7. This could be the type of game that erases all memories of last season's major disappointment for the Cowboys, while Virginia is just looking to get back on track.
Why Wyoming might win: The Cowboy offense is balanced behind the leadership of first year QB Jacob Doss and, like Pitt was able to do, should keep the Cavaliers on their heels. The Cowboy signal caller was efficient and effective (17 of 26 for 209 yards) against Utah State and the result was an almost perfectly balanced offense (221 rushing yards, 239 passing). RB Wynel Seldon is an underrated back who can hurt Virginia with his slashing, aggressive running style with enough speed to break off a few big plays.
Why Virginia might win: A home game for the reeling Wahoos might be the best tonic possible. UVA QB Christian Olsen got his opportunity to shake off the rust and should be much sharper against a suspect Cowboy secondary. UVA DB Nate Lyles is a rock-hard hitter who'll be instrumental in helping against the run and against the pass (he had a pick six against Pitt). The defense should get more pressure on Doss in one quarter than he saw the entire game against Utah State.
Who to watch: Wyoming WR Hoost Marsh ran for a touchdown and caught one pass for a touchdown against Utah State and needs to be a big-play receiver to give the Cowboys a shot. He's a dual threat out on the perimeter who'll have to be accounted for on every play. ... The UVA offense will only go as far as Olsen can take them. He didn't take them very far against Pitt, but with this one in the comfortable confines of Scott Stadium, he should be much more at ease and that much more effective, eyeing up TE Tom Santi and WR Fontel Mines.
What will happen: UVA should rely on more of a grinding running game in this game, getting more out of power back Jason Snelling to take some pressure off of Olsen. However, the Cowboys should be able to throw the football against a struggling Virginia secondary. Doss doesn't have to carry the offense, but he throws well enough to keep an extra defender out of the box to stop Seldon and the running game.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 2.5
Line: Virginia -9.5
Fearless Prediction: Virginia 23 ... Wyoming 21

Tulsa (1-0) at BYU (0-1) — Saturday at 4 p.m. ET
Why to Watch: Tulsa used I-AA Stephen F. Austin as a tune-up for what could be its toughest road test of 2006. The Golden Hurricane was error-free on offense, and is well-positioned to defend its Conference USA crown with a team every bit as solid as last year's group. Head coach Steve Kragthorpe, who lived in Provo for a decade while his dad was a BYU assistant, worked hard behind the scenes to make this match up happen. The Cougars were shackled by Arizona last week, but enter their home opener no less explosive on offense or physical on defense than they were before the season began. John Beck is one of the premier quarterbacks in the country and Curtis Brown represents a lethal complement out of the backfield. To get its first win, BYU has to cut down on mistakes this Saturday and stop settling for field goals.
Why Tulsa might win: Offensive balance. Tulsa is so tough to defend because it buys into Kragthorpe's system, and is equally adept on the ground as it is through the air. Brandon Diles, Courtney Tennial and Tarrion Adams give the offense three viable options in the running game, and QB Paul Smith had one less touchdown pass than incompletions in the opener. This is a veteran squad that went 5-2 on the road in 2005, and won't be unnerved by the raucous LaVell Edwards Stadium crowd.
Why BYU might win: Tulsa is getting bigger each year on defense, but the Golden Hurricane will still be dwarfed by a BYU offensive line that averages well over 300 pounds. Brown will see more holes this weekend and get back on track after being held to just 24 yards in Tucson. Don't underestimate the importance of the home crowd and a sense of urgency. With a trip to Boston College up next, the Cougars know an 0-2 start would be catastrophic.
Who to watch: The early returns on BYU's switch from the 3-3-5 to the 3-4 defense are glowing because of the play of linebackers, such as Bryan Kehl and Cameron Jensen. The move was designed to best utilize the Cougars' defensive speed, and Kehl and Jensen spearheaded a great defensive effort against Arizona last week.
What will happen: This is a sneaky good non-conference game that will be decided by whichever team has the ball last. Beck will engineer the final drive, finding one of his gifted tight ends for the game-winner.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 3
Line: BYU -6.5
Fearless Prediction: BYU 35 ... Tulsa 31

UNLV (1-0) at Iowa State (1-0) — Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Why to watch: If this is anything like last week's Iowa State three overtime win over Toledo, it could be the best game of the weekend. The Cyclones got off to a rocky start showing no pass defense and not enough offense until late needing a dropped two point conversion to seal the win. A week before the rivalry showdown with Iowa, ISU has to face the Mountain West's top wild card. UNLV got a big-time infusion of talent this off-season with several great players coming in from the JUCO ranks. After blowing up Idaho State 54-10, Mike Sanford and his spread offense should provide a huge test for a Cyclone team that needs this win with Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas Tech coming up in the next six weeks.
Why UNLV might win: Clint Cochran. The Toledo quarterback lit up the Cyclone secondary like a Christmas tree completing 39 of 49 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. If things haven't dramatically changed over the last week, UNLV's new star, QB Rocky Hinds, should go nuts. The former USC Trojan threw for 322 yards and a touchdown and ran for 42 yards and a score against Idaho State showing a great command of the offense and spreading the ball around well. If this gets into a shootout, UNLV has the weapons.
Why Iowa State might win: Can the Rebels get any pressure on Iowa State's Bret Meyer? The Cyclone quarterback was terrific against Toledo running for 70 yards and three touchdowns and throwing for 234 yards and two scores. He's a veteran leader who is deadly when he gets time and room to operate. UNLV got four sacks on Idaho State QB Matt Gutierrez, but the pass rush should be an issue against the better offensive lines. Meyer's mobility will give the Rebels fits.
Who to watch: The quarterbacks will take center stage, but they have to throw to someone. UNLV Ryan Wolfe set a school-record for a freshman with 160 yards and a touchdown on six catches last week, and he's not even close to being the team's most talented receiver. JUCO transfer Aaron Straiten only caught two passes for 15 yards against Idaho State, but he'll eventually blow up and put up huge numbers. Iowa State's top target, Todd Blythe, wasn't great for most of the night against Toledo, but he was great when he had to be catching two touchdown passes including what turned out to be the game-winner in overtime. Former USC Trojan and top Rebel corner Eric Wright will see plenty of time against the Cyclone junior.
What will happen: It'll be a shock if the two teams don't combine for over 600 passing yards. Even through UNLV's Erick Jackson is a dangerous runner, Iowa State's ground game with Stevie Hicks and Bret Meyer will be enough to pull out another wild Cyclone home game.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 2.5
Line: Iowa State -14
Fearless Prediction: Iowa State 38 ... UNLV 28

Air Force (0-0) at Tennessee (1-0) — Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Why to watch: It's amazing how one win over a Pac 10 team can take a supposedly floundering program and make it a national title contender. It was never a question of ability with Tennessee last season, but there was an issue with playing up to the skill level and putting it all together. In a 35-18 dismantling of the Bears that was far more impressive than the final score indicates, Tennessee showed the speed, offensive balance and NFL-caliber talent that everyone was waiting to see break out all through 2005. Now the key is to keep the momentum going with Florida coming to town next week. Air Force is playing its first game of the year and is hoping the Vols will be flat in the biggest of sandwich games. The Mountain West season starts up for the Falcons next week with a trip to Wyoming.
Why Air Force might win: Every coach is afraid of the unknown. Control freaks all, coaches really believe their own rhetoric when they say they have to worry about an inferior opponent. Air Force has game tap to go on, but Tennessee doesn't necessarily know just how advanced Shaun Carney and the Falcon passing game might be. Xs and Os won't be the problem for the Volunteer coaching staff, but getting the team amped up with the Gator game next week and making it believethe Air Force option offense is quirky enough to provide problems will be hard.
Why Tennessee might win: What always beats the option? Speed. If a first-round caliber back like Marshawn Lynch couldn't lead a ground game to more than 64 yards, what chance does Air Force have of doing too much more? The Falcons don't have nearly enough defensive team speed to stay with any aspect of the Tennessee offense and it isn't going to be fast enough in the backfield to get to the outside on the Vol defensive front seven.
Who to watch: Either Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe really is a difference maker or the light bulb turned on for Erik Ainge, the Vol passing game took an impressive turn in the Cal game after struggling so badly last year. Ainge wasn't flawless, but he was great at getting the ball in the right spot to allow his receivers to make plays. Yeah, the receivers like Robert Meachem certainly helped, but you're doing something right if you're averaging over 26 yards per completion.
What will happen: It'll take at least a quarter for Tennessee to get into it, and then the floodgates will open. If the Vols come in fired up, the Air Force offense won't go anywhere.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 2
Line: Tennessee -20
Fearless Prediction: Tennessee 40 ... Air Force 13

UC Davis (1-0) at TCU (1-0) — Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Why to watch: If UC Davis sounds a bit familiar, it's because it's the team that pulled one of the shockers of the 2005 season with a 20-17 win over Stanford that ended up keeping the Cardinal from going to a bowl game. The Aggies are coming of a solid 38-7 win over Northern Colorado and gets to deal next week with a Montana State team that upset Colorado. TCU beat Baylor on Sunday in a tougher-than-expected 17-7 battle with Baylor. With a big battle against Texas Tech coming up next week, the Horned Frogs want to use this game to prepare.
Why UC Davis might win: The only chance the Aggies have of winning is if TCU isn't paying attention. It's a short week for the Horned Frogs and it's sure to want to get this over with to start working on the Red Raiders. With good size on both lines, the Aggies aren't likely to get shoved around by a TCU ground game that had a hard time getting going against Baylor.
Why TCU might win: The Aggies might have won with ease last week, but it had a hard time with the Northern Colorado short passing game. TCU didn't get much from its rushing attack, but it was able to move the ball well through the air. The TCU defense should have few problems, so as long as TCU is able to control the ball and not make mistakes, it should have few problems.
Who to watch: How much will TCU starting QB Jeff Ballard play? He got knocked out against Baylor with a headache but is expected to get the start. In his place, Marcus Jackson was excellent completing 11 of 13 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Wanting a healthy Ballard for the Texas Tech game, the TCU coaching staff will likely try to get Jackson in as soon as possible.
What will happen: Expect the two teams to combine for at least seven sacks with TCU's Tommy Blake and UCD's Mike Ng each be camped out in the opposing backfields. TCU will find its running game again to win in a walk.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 1
Line: No Line
Fearless Prediction: TCU 45 ... UC Davis 13

New Mexico (0-1) at New Mexico State (1-0) — Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Why to watch: Rivalry games are always a little more special than your regular Saturday battles. The grass is greener. The crowd is louder. The adrenaline pumps faster. In this rivalry, the Lobos, winners of five of the last six in the in-state battle, and the Aggies will be meeting for the 97th time. It's a chance for the Lobos to redeem themselves after a weird 17-6 loss to D-IAA Portland Stat, while the Aggies and head coach Hal Mumme are looking to build off of the momentum generated with a win in their opener over SE Louisiana 30–15, which ended a 13-game losing streak.
Why ­­­­New Mexico might win: Lobo QB Kole McKamey is still adjusting to new offensive coordinator Bob Toledo, but completed 21 of 36 for 274 against Portland State. He can be a threat outside of the pocket with his quickness and speed, and he's developing into a fine passer who shouldn't have a problem with the porous Aggie secondary. The Lobo's physical defensive scheme could force a number of turnovers; the Aggies lost it four times last week.
Why New Mexico State might win: Speaking of quarterbacks, the Aggies may have found a keeper in Chase Holbrook. All the sophomore did in his debut was go 29 of 40 for 381 yards and two touchdowns while running the Mumme offense better than it ever did all of last year. Add to that the fact that the two touchdowns that the Lobos gave up against Portland State were passes of 26 and 39 yards, and Mr. Holbrook should be licking his chops.
What will happen: The Lobos miss former star RB DonTrell Moore and have to get more out of their running game. SE Louisiana's running backs registered 4.5 yards per carry against the NMSU defense, so expect to see the Lobos force the issue on the ground to take some pressure off of McKamey. The Aggies will see a myriad of looks from New Mexico head coach Rocky Long and their defense, so expect Mumme to use screen packages to running back Justin Buries to stem that pressure.
Who to watch: New Mexico CB DeAndre Wright and Glover Quin could be in pass coverage 75% of the game, and after giving up two big plays last week in the loss to Portland State, they're even more under the microscope. Their counterpart, NMSU WR Chris Williams, had a monster game, catching seven passes for 146 yards and one touchdown. Now, that Williams has Holbrook to throw him the football, he has a chance to catch 85 to 90 passes this season after making only 12 grabs last year.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 2
Line: New Mexico -9
Fearless Prediction: New Mexico 31 … New Mexico State 21

[24champ]

Northern Arizona (0-1) at Utah (0-1) — Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
Why to Watch: Utah has to try to pick up the pieces after a resounding 31-10 crash at UCLA. Seen as the chance to make a national statement, and by far the toughest road game on the schedule, the Utes might have left their BCS dreams, along with hopes of an unbeaten season, in L.A. Fortunately, things ease up in a big way with Utah State and San Diego State ahead after the tussle with a Northern Arizona team that game Arizona State a few fits in a 35-14 loss. If Utah is moping, the Lumberjacks have just enough talent to pull off a major upset.
Why Northern Arizona might win: If the Utah offense is as stagnant and sloppy as it was against UCLA, NAU has a chance. Bruin QB Ben Olson carved up the Ute secondary for 318 yards and three touchdowns helped by all the time he had to work. Outside of an interception, Lumberjack QB Jason Murrietta was sharp against Arizona State throwing for 267 yards and two scores. If he gets the same time Olson had, it could be another long game for the Ute secondary. That might be easier said than done because ...
Why Utah might win: ... NAU allowed nine sacks last week. The UCLA offensive line is solid while the Lumberjack front five should have a major problem with the Ute quickness on the outside. Also, focus won't be a problem after the way the season started for both teams. Utah will be well motivated to come up with a strong performance. NAU couldn't handle the short-to-medium range passing game of ASU, so ...
Who to watch: ... this should be the game the Ute quarterbacks get their groove back. Brett Ratliff was awful completing only 13 of 31 passes for 162 yards with a touchdown and an interception showing no improvement as the game went on. Backup Tommy Grady wasn't much better in his little bit of time completing two passes with one going to UCLA's Al Verner for 34-yard touchdown that was the beginning of the end for the Utes. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has said that Ratliff is still the main man, but Grady will get more work this week.
What will happen: NAU will throw some haymakers, but Utah will be back to looking like the Utah that everyone was expecting going into the start of the season.
Must See Rating: (5 skip the birth of your first born - 1 Fashion House) ... 1.5
Line: No Line
Fearless Prediction: Utah 42 ... Northern Arizona 17


For more previews, predictions and prognostications, go to the CollegeFootballNews.com.


http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/2902754

[SpringStein]

Although they lost by 1, AFA should be able to build some confidence off this game.

[24champ]

Although they lost by 1, AFA should be able to build some confidence off this game.
I really wished they would have won, would have put this conference up there. Could have been a huge day for the MWC. If we beat Tenn, Virginia, Iowa state that would have been huge. Unfortunately it did not work out that way.


Anyway I had the UNLV game on ESPN gamecenter and something struck me as odd, Steichen was put in place of Rocky Hinds. If he is injured then the rebels are done for the year.

[IrishConrad]

Most of the teams of the MTN West looked pretty good this week. All except CSU.

If they play like they did against Nevada against teams in the Mountain west. They will have a very hard time beating anyone.

CSU is looking terrible. :pray:

[24champ]

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Sep-30-Sat-2006/sports/9960968.html

Both sides have run up the score and engaged in ugly altercations with each other.

One UNLV coach was hit by an empty beer can, and a UNR coach had a helmet thrown near him. One UNLV coach even dressed up in uniform to inspire his team.
Advertisement

The UNLV-UNR football rivalry also has been marked by late-game drama and blowouts, big plays and major mistakes as both sides have fought for the Fremont Cannon -- which was broken during one post-game celebration.

The series is not well known nationally, but its intensity has surprised even those who have been part of more celebrated rivalries such as Southern California-Notre Dame and Stanford-Cal.

"Obviously I knew the importance of it, but I didn't understand how huge it is," UNLV second-year coach Mike Sanford said.

Now here it is again, the 32nd meeting between North and South, with the Wolf Pack holding a 16-15 edge entering today's 7 p.m. game at Sam Boyd Stadium.

For the first time since 2000, the cannon will be painted blue at kickoff, with UNR having snapped UNLV's five-game winning streak in the series with a 22-14 victory last year at Reno.

In fact, Rebels fifth-year senior tailback Erick Jackson had never seen the cannon blue until someone posted a picture of it in the locker room this week.

"I took it for granted when it sat upstairs and was red all this time," Jackson said. "Seeing it blue, it just didn't feel the same. It didn't feel right."

That could change tonight and add to the memories generated since these teams began playing each other in 1969. Here are the top 10 games in chronological order.

• Nov. 22, 1969 -- Appropriately, the first game ended dramatically and with questions, setting the stage for antagonism in future years.

UNLV took a 28-27 lead with 10:19 left, but host UNR marched downfield as dusk set in.

'It was black," then-UNLV coach Bill Ireland said this week.

It was into that darkness that UNR's John Barnes -- now the longtime coach at California power Los Alamitos High School -- kicked a 33-yard field goal with 1:01 remaining to give the Wolf Pack a 30-28 victory.

Some spectators questioned whether the kick was good, but others insisted it split the uprights. Ireland said he thought the kick was good, but more importantly that a rivalry was born.

"It turned out to be very important," he said. "It's a good rivalry."

• Nov. 26, 1970 -- The cannon became the trophy for the winning team, and UNLV claimed it by making a series of big plays to win 42-30.

The Rebels scored touchdowns on 79- and 82-yard passes, a 51-yard interception return and a blocked kick to build a 42-16 lead early in the third quarter. UNR scored twice late in the period to make the game closer.

• Nov. 20, 1976 -- UNLV needed the victory to guarantee a spot in the Division II playoffs, but the Wolf Pack threatened to disappoint the Rebels by closing to within 35-33 early in the fourth quarter.

But UNLV answered when Glenn Carano, who set 21 school records that season, completed a 64-yard touchdown pass to Raymond Strong with 4:33 left. Then Strong ran for a 12-yard score with 3:50 remaining to give the Rebels a 49-33 victory.

Carano (325 yards passing) and Strong (204 yards rushing) set series records in that game that still stand.

The Rebels' season ended a week later when Akron beat them 27-6 in the first round of the playoffs.

• Sept. 3, 1983 -- Later known as the player who truly brought athleticism to quarterback and helped revolutionize the position in the NFL, Randall Cunningham found himself in position when a big play was not needed.

Instead, after UNR had crept to within 21-18 with a little more than 12 minutes left, Cunningham and the Rebels ate up almost 10 minutes by driving 86 yards in 19 plays. Cunningham finished the spectacular drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Chuck Ruggeroli with 2:10 left to clinch a 28-18 victory.

• Oct. 3, 1987 -- UNLV coach Wayne Nunnely told his team he would dress out in full uniform, but wasn't sure he would follow through. But after watching his team go through a lackluster pregame warmup, Nunnely decided to suit up.

"Most of the team was in the locker room," Nunnely said this week. "I went in there and started yelling and screaming about how important this game was."

The ploy fired up the team, which went ahead 21-3 while Nunnely remained in uniform throughout the first half. Nunnely, now defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers, changed back into his coaching gear at halftime, and the Rebels held on to win 24-19.

"I felt it was something I needed to do," Nunnely said. "Could it have backfired against me? You know, what's that fool doing? I certainly feel the guys were pumped up when I suited up, and it showed how excited I was to be coaching in this game."

• Nov. 19, 1994 -- No meeting between these teams has ever carried more consequences, with the Big West Conference title and berth in the Las Vegas Bowl on the line.

In addition, there was plenty of drama between the coaches. UNLV's Jeff Horton had bolted south after serving as UNR's coach the year before. Chris Ault had hand-picked Horton as his successor at UNR, but now Ault was back on the sideline -- the enmity clear for all to see.

The Wolf Pack also was on a roll entering the game, having won seven in a row, including a 62-35 rout at Fresno State.

UNLV was playing so-so, but even with a 5-4 record, had done enough to stay in contention for the conference title.

The Wolf Pack looked as if it would emerge victorious when Marcellus Chrishon scored on a 38-yard run with 2:37 left to put UNR ahead 27-26. But the Rebels won 32-27 after DeJohn Branch -- who rushed for 161 yards -- scored on a 4-yard run with 58 seconds to play.

UNLV, which later routed Central Michigan 52-24 in the Las Vegas Bowl, claimed the cannon after it had been in Reno for five years.

• Oct. 28, 1995 -- This was probably the rivalry's low point, with fights breaking out before and after the game.

About an hour before kickoff, some Rebels players crossed the 50-yard line to spark the first brawl. In retaliation, the Wolf Pack ran up the score with a touchdown pass on the final play of its 55-32 victory.

UNR players then ran across the field to the cannon, and another big fight broke out. At one point, UNLV safety Quincy Sanders threw his helmet near Ault.

"If I really wanted to hit Chris Ault, I was nothing but 3 or 4 feet away from him," Sanders later said. "My intention was to throw it to the ground. If I was that type of vicious person, I could've done it. My intent was to kind of back the crowd that was surrounding me away from me."

• Oct. 7, 2000 -- After another five-year stay in Reno, the cannon was painted red after UNLV's 38-7 victory behind Jason Thomas' two touchdown passes and two TD runs.

UNLV players rushed to paint the cannon red among the many fans who ran onto the field, and the cannon was broken during the celebration.

"Unfortunately I don't know if they understand the tradition," Ault told the Reno Gazette-Journal shortly afterward. "It's the sacred piece. It's the trophy. You don't break the trophy. You show it off."

• Oct. 6, 2001 -- The game itself was not notable, but upset over the treatment by fans in Reno, UNLV decided to seek some payback near the end of its 27-12 victory.

With victory in hand, Thomas could have kneeled and let the clock run out. Instead he ran a sweep around the right end for a 3-yard touchdown with 8 seconds remaining.

Rebels coach John Robinson bristled afterward when asked about the play.

"If somebody gets angry when the ball's on the 1 and running a quarterback sweep, they're losing track of what this stuff's all about," he said.

• Oct. 4, 2003 -- UNR led 12-6 entering the fourth quarter, but the Rebels rallied with 10 points to win 16-12. Dyante Perkins' 29-yard touchdown run with 12:10 remaining put UNLV ahead for good.

What's most remembered, though, is what happened at halftime. A Reno fan hurled an empty plastic beer bottle, hitting Robinson in the head.

Robinson took the high road afterward, calling it "a hell of a game."

• NOTES -- UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said a record crowd for this series could show up tonight. The record is 33,391, which attended the 1995 game in Reno. ... UNLV coach Mike Sanford said he would wait until today to determine whether kicker Sergio Aguayo (left knee) will play. ... Linebacker Matt Pattison (left foot) is out. He has not played this season.

[Kaylore]

I think the mountain west conference already has more respect that the old WAC had. The addition of TCU really helps up the caliber of the conference. We just need BYU, Utah, Air Force and CSU to continue being strong football schools. The last two seemed to have plateaued from a few years ago.

I agree. We need four teams that are regularly ranked or we won't get much respect. We've had chances but dropped the ball.

[24champ]

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Sep-30-Sat-2006/photos/unlv2.jpg
Even kids get in on the act.:D

[24champ]

wow UNLV pulled a UTE...a freakin' FG? I did not expect a win but damn a ****in FG is all the offense can muster? (shakes head)

[24champ]

Hey Kaylore when does MWC basketball start? :)

[Kaylore]

Hey Kaylore when does MWC basketball start? :)

52-7 man. I honestly felt bad for your guys, but this is just our year. Beck's going to lead us to the MWC championship and there isn't anyone that's going to stop us.

[24champ]

52-7 man. I honestly felt bad for your guys, but this is just our year. Beck's going to lead us to the MWC championship and there isn't anyone that's going to stop us.

We've always sucked, Im real close to canning our coach but you got to give new coaches 3-4 years to build something. Then again how do you build off of two seasons of crap? He is supposed to be an offensive genious and our O is playing like ****. Beck is the real deal and MVP of the league no doubt, what was the most impressive win for you guys is the win over TCU imo.

[24champ]

So Kaylore how come AF didn't show up, thought the game would be closer than 33-14. Meanwhile UNLV got creamed by the Utes as expected.

[Kaylore]

So Kaylore how come AF didn't show up, thought the game would be closer than 33-14. Meanwhile UNLV got creamed by the Utes as expected.

I was at the game. It was pretty fun. They made too many mistakes and we captialized. If they played the whole game the way they played the third quarter it would have been closer (we still would have won.) The only team that scares me right now is Wyoming.

I was sitting by this group of guys that were all Bronco fans and we started discussing Plummer and how badly he's playing this year. Then this Boise State guy chimes in and mentions that he thinks Jake is just in a slump. It's pretty funny because that conversation seems to be all over the state. ROFL!

[24champ]

I was sitting by this group of guys that were all Bronco fans and we started discussing Plummer and how badly he's playing this year. Then this Boise State guy chimes in and mentions that he thinks Jake is just in a slump. It's pretty funny because that conversation seems to be all over the state. ROFL!

Yeah everyone has to get their opinions in on what the Broncos should do with Jake, personally I keep quiet about it and nod my head mhmmm.

Anyway you guys got CSU again next week, another big game.

[Kaylore]

Yeah everyone has to get their opinions in on what the Broncos should do with Jake, personally I keep quiet about it and nod my head mhmmm.

Anyway you guys got CSU again next week, another big game.

They can't run like they need to. We'll win.