UNLV ends losing streak

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Finally, some happiness for UNLV's football team — and on the road, too.

The Rebels ended a school-record 20-game Mountain West Conference road losing streak with a 34-17 victory over New Mexico at University Stadium. UNLV (3-5, 1-3 MWC) also ended a four-game losing streak with its victory over the Lobos (0-7, 0-3).

"I thought our team played with a lot of heart tonight," coach Mike Sanford said. "I thought we played determined. I thought we played relentlessly."

Said wide receiver Ryan Wolfe: “We’ve been so close in road games in the past. It all came together.”

SITTING ON TOP

Wolfe caught 11 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown, giving him 270 career receptions, a Mountain West record.

“Any time you get up to the top of a list, you hope to be up there for a while, and then you can look at it after you’re done playing,” Wolfe said. “I’ve got more games to add on to it.”

ERROR FREE

Quarterback Omar Clayton had his first game without an interception since the season opener against Sacramento State. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns.

“I finally stopped throwing picks,” Clayton said. “That was a relief. I was real comfortable, ready to play.”

DEFENSE SHINES, TOO

UNLV’s defense held the Lobos to 287 yards. The performance followed last weekend’s effort against Utah in which the Rebels allowed 327 yards. Much better than the 611 yielded to BYU and 773 to UNR the two previous weeks.

“I think that we started to fight back,” Sanford said. “I think the way we played against Utah brought confidence back. We’re getting guys healthy.”

One was end/linebacker Jason Beauchamp, who had nine tackles, including three for losses and two sacks. He also forced a fumble in his best performance this season.

“This is the healthiest I’ve been since camp,” Beauchamp said. “I’m running again, and I feel great. I feel like I used to feel.”

BANGED UP

Tight end Kyle Watkins sprained an ankle, but the severity is unknown.