COACHES TELECONFERENCE
Mountain West Conference head coaches will be available on a media teleconference each Tuesday throughout the season. Each coach will be available for 10 minutes, with the call scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. (MT). You can find the teleconference schedule on the left hand side of the page.
WEEKLY HONORS
Jason Thomas (UNLV), Kevin Thomas (UNLV) and Pete Rebstock (Colorado State) were named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week . Kevin Thomas and Rebstock received the Player of the Week honor for the second time in their careers, while Jason Thomas is recognized for the first time.
Jason Thomas, UNLV, QB, Sophomore (MWC Offensive Player of the Week)
Sophomore quarterback Jason Thomas, a Compton, Calif., product, led UNLV to its first-ever Mountain West Conference victory at home with a 34-13 win over previously undefeated Air Force. Thomas recorded career-highs in completions (16), attempts (22) and passing yards (259) and had no interceptions and two touchdowns (one pass and one rush) in the victory. He also rushed for 57 yards on 15 attempts, including a 20-yard scamper for a touchdown in the third quarter. Thomas has now rushed for at least one touchdown in each of the Rebels four contests this season. In all, Thomas was responsible for 16 of UNLV¹s points on Saturday. Besides his two touchdowns, he was successful on two two-point conversions, completing a pass to Nate Turner and running for the other.
Kevin Thomas, UNLV, CB, Junior (MWC Defensive Player of the Week)
Junior cornerback Kevin Thomas, a pre-season All-American candidate, from Sacramento, Calif., helped the Rebel defense hold Air Force to a season-low 133 yards passing in conference play in addition to limiting the league¹s leading receiver, Ryan Fleming, to 43 yards on three receptions. Thomas has three tackles (two unassisted), two pass breakups and an interception, which he returned 32 yards to secure the win.
Pete Rebstock, Colorado State, KR/PR, Junior (MWC Special Teams Player of the Week)
Pete Rebstock used his return skills in several ways in the Rams¹ 45-14 victory at Nevada. The Englewood, Colo., native returned six punts for 143 yards (23.8 ypr), including a 66-yarder for the Rams first touchdown. Rebstock also had a kickoff return for 23 yards and currently ranks 4th nationally with a 20.4 punt return average.
LAST WEEK
Seven Mountain West Conference schools were in action last weekend, with four engaged in league play. New Mexico opened Mountain West Conference play with a 45-10 triupmh over Wyoming. Sophomore quarterback Rudy Caamano threw three touchdown passes and completed 11-of-16 passes in the win for the Lobos. Wyoming wide receiver Ryan McGuffey surpassed the 100-yard mark for the first time in his career as the red-shirt freshman totaled eight catches for 101 yards. Appearing in front of the cameras of ABC Sports for the first time at home, UNLV won its first MWC home game since the league¹s inception with a 34-13 victory over Air Force. The Rebel offense churned-up a season-best 483 total yards and for the first time since 1997 featured two receivers with over 100 yards receiving in the same game (Troy Mason 4-122, Nate Turner 9-102). Air Force was led by quarterback Mike Thiessen¹s 235 yards of total offense. The Falcon¹s special teams also registered two blocked kicks in the contest. Colorado State improved its record to 8-0 following open weeks under coach Sonny Lubick with a 45-14 road win at Nevada. Behind the running of Rahsaan Sanders (116 yards) and Duan Ruff (106 yards) the Rams amassed a season-high 318 rushing yards and 503 yards of total offense. Utah registered its first win of the 2000 campaign with a 35-14 win over rival Utah State. Junior running back Adam Tate compiled his second consecutive 100-yard game, rushing for 133 yards and three touchdowns. Making its third and final trip east of the Mississippi this season, BYU headed to Syracuse where the Orangemen proved to be less than hospitable hosts with a 42-14 win over the Cougars. Charles Peterson come on in relief of Brett Engeman, who left the game with a first-half shoulder injury, to throw for 206 yards and two touchdowns.
MWC BOWL TIE-INS
The Mountain West Conference has two guaranteed bowl berths in 2000. The conference champion is slated for the AXA Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., on Dec. 29. The game will be aired on ESPN starting at 1:30 P.M. (ET) vs. the champion of Conference USA. The Las Vegas Bowl has the second choice from the MWC vs. an at-large opponent in a game scheduled for Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. (PT) on ESPN2.
LAVELL EDWARDS TO CALL IT QUITS AFTER 2000 SEASON
LaVell Edwards, the seventh-winningest coach in the history of college football, announced on Thursday, Aug. 17, that he will retire as Brigham Young University's
head coach at the conclusion of the 2000 season. Edwards, who will be 70 in October, has compiled a 252-97-3 overall record in 28-plus seasons with the Cougars. His teams have won 20 conference titles and have appeared in 22 bowl games. In 1984, he was named National Coach of the Year after BYU finished the season 13-0 and won the National Championship. He needs just four victories to pass Tom Osborne as the sixth-winningest college football coach in history. He entered the 2000 season with the third-most wins (251) and the third-best winning percentage (.723) among active coaches.
DOAK WALKER
AWARD CANDIDATES
Scotty McKay, Sr., RB, Air Force
Larry Ned, Sr., RB, San Diego State
NAGURSKI WATCH LIST
Patrick Chukwurah, LB, Wyoming
Rick Crowell, LB, Colorado State
Chris Hoke, DT, BYU
Jared Lee, S, BYU
Kautai Oleveo, LB, Utah
JIM THORPE WATCH LIST
Jared Lee, Sr., DB, BYU
Andre Dyson, Sr., DB, Utah
Kevin Thomas, Jr., DB, UNLV
AIR FORCE FALCONS
3-1, 2-1 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 14 at Wyoming
What You Should Know:
The Falcons are averaging 307.5 rushing yards per game to rank third nationally.
A look at the national rankings finds Air Force ranked in the top 10 in three offensive categories: rushing offense (3rd-307.5), pass efficiency (6th-155.1), total offense (10th-457.5).
Air Force has won its last six games vs. the service academies.
Quarterback Mike Thiessen has thrown a touchdown pass in each of the last three games. With seven TD passes for the season, he currently ranks 11th on the Air Force single-season chart.
Air Force ranks 34th nationally in scoring offense, averaging 30.5 points per game.
The Falcons lead the Mountain West Conference in third-down conversions, converting 38.2 percent.
Wide receiver Ryan Fleming averages 86.2 receiving yards per game to rank second in the Mountain West Conference and 21st nationally.
Key Stat: The Falcons have blocked four kicks over the last two games.
BYU COUGARS
2-4, 1-1 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 21 vs. San Diego State
What You Should Know:
With 2,492 career receiving yards, Margin Hooks has moved into sixth place on the Cougars¹ all-time receiving yards list. He is six yards shy of passing Mark Bellini and moving into fifth place.
Sophomore quarterback Bret Engemann is scheduled to undergo surgery this week to correct a separated shoulder suffered in Saturday¹s game at Syracuse.
BYU extended its NCAA-record streak to 318 games without being shutout. The current streak dates back to Sept. 27, 1975.
The Cougars lead the Mountain West Conference in passing offense, averaging 267.7 yards per game to rank 20th nationally.
Senior WR Margin Hooks currently ranks fifth in the nation with a streak of 30 straight games with a reception.
Senior Jonathan Pittman was on the receiving end of both of BYU¹s touchdowns against Syracuse. For the season, Pittman has 18 receptions for 362 yards and four touchdowns.
Paul Peterson¹s 129 kickoff return yards against Syracuse is the fourth highest total in Mountain West Conference history.
Key Stat: Over the last two games the BYU defense has allowed a total of seven second-half points.
COLORADO STATE RAMS
3-1, 0-0 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 14 vs. UNLV
What You Should Know:
Quarterback Matt Newton has started every game since the 1999 season opener. He has thrown a touchdown pass in 15 of his 16 starts.
Punt returner Pete Rebstock left his mark on the Mountain West Conference single-game record book last week at Nevada. His 143 punt return yards is the third-highest total in league history, while his 66-yard return for touchdown ranks fifth longest. Rebstock leads the conference with an average of 20.4 yards per return and ranks fourth nationally.
The Rams posted their highest rushing total of the season with 318 yards on the ground in their victory over Nevada.
CSU¹s offense is averaging 399 yards per game this season, and has registered 12 plays of 20 yards or longer.
In Saturday¹s victory over Nevada, the running back tandem of Rashaan Sanders (19-116) and Duan Ruff (15-106) became the first pair of backs to each rush for 100 yards in the same game since Jaime Blake and Kevin McDougal turned the trick in 1998 vs. UTEP.
The CSU defense held Nevada to 58 yards rushing on 28 attempts.
Key Stat: The Rams are 4-3 under Sonny Lubick in conference openers.
NEW MEXICO LOBOS
3-3, 1-0 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 21 at Air Force
What You Should Know:
New Mexico is riding its first three-game win streak since 1997.
The Lobos set season highs with 429 yards of total offense and 308 yards rushing in their win Saturday over Wyoming. UNM entered the contest averaging 226.6 yards per game of total offense and 127.2 yards rushing.
Tailback Holmon Wiggins turned in a career performance with 168 yards rushing on 27 carries against Wyoming. He becomes the Lobos first 100-yard rusher since Reginal Johnson in 1996 vs. Tulsa.
The New Mexico defense has forced three turnovers in each of the last three games.
New Mexico leads the Mountain West Conference in total defense, holding opponents to an average of 311.5 yards per game.
The Lobos have posted a conference-leading 22 sacks this season.
Quarterback Rudy Caamano is coming off the first three-touchdown passing day of his career.
Key Stat: New Mexico converted 6-of-6 red zone opportunities last week and are 14-of-17 for the season.
SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS
0-4, 0-0 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 14 vs. Utah
What You Should Know:
San Diego State joins Notre Dame as the only schools to open the 2000 season with four games against teams from Bowl Championship Series conferences.
SDSU¹s first four opponents this season are a combined 11-2.
The Aztec offense had gone 397 consecutive plays without losing a fumble until the second quarter of last week¹s Oregon State game.
The Aztecs have been hit hard by the injury bug this season. They have lost five starters for the year (OL Chris Williams and Zach LaMonda, TE Gray McNeill, DE Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and QB Jack Hawley).
Through four games, San Diego State has started 19 different players on offense.
Walk-on defensive back Donte Gamble¹s six pass break-ups is third best in the Mountain West Conference. Gamble has created a turnover in three of SDSU¹s first four games with an interception and two caused fumbles.
Key Stat: San Diego State is coming of an open week. The Aztecs are 3-3 following bye weeks under Ted Tollner.
UNLV REBELS
2-2, 1-1 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 14 at Colorado State
What You Should Know:
Troy Mason is the first UNLV receiver to post consecutive 100-yard receiving games since Len Ware in 1997. Mason tallied 122 yards last week against Air Force and 102 vs. BYU.
Quarterback Jason Thomas is averaging 267.2 yards of total offense per game to lead the Mountain West Conference and rank 15th nationally. Thomas also ranks among the league leaders in pass efficiency (2nd-160.0), passing average per game (2nd-195.0), scoring (2nd-6.5) and rushing (4th-72.2).
UNLV is riding its first two-game home win streak since 1997.
Jason Thomas currently ranks 13th in the nation in passing efficiency, 20th in total offense and is tied for 18th with fellow Mountain West Conference quarterback Mike Thiessen of Air Force in points responsible for with 14.0 per game.
UNLV¹s defense has given up six touchdowns this season and has held opponents scoreless in nine of the last 12 quarters.
Wide receiver Nate Turner leads the Mountain West Conference with an average of 94.2 receiving yards per game to rank 15th nationally.
Key Stat: The UNLV defense is holding opponents to 15.0 points per game.
UTAH UTES
1-4, 0-1 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 14 at San Diego State
What You Should Know:
Junior running back Adam Tate has two straight 100-yard rushing games. He compiled a career-best 133 yards and three touchdowns in last week¹s win over Utah State.
The Utah defense came up big against Utah State with three interceptions for 53 yards.
The Utes last six offensive touchdowns have been scored rushing.
Adam Tate tied a Mountain West Conference record with 32 rushing attempts last week against Utah State.
Over the last three games, quarterback Darnell Arceneaux has completed 56.9 percent of his passes. He is a combined 41-of-72 for 600 yards and two touchdowns during this span.
Steve Smith leads the Mountain West Conference in all purpose yards, averaging 164.5 per game. He ranks 32nd nationally.
Defensive back Andre Dyson is the only player in the conference to return an interception for touchdown this season.
Key Stat: Utah is off this week.
WYOMING COWBOYS
1-4, 0-1 MWC
Next Game: Oct. 14 vs. Air Force
What You Should Know:
Redshirt freshman receiver Ryan McGuffey had the first 100-yard receiving day of his career last Saturday with an eight catch, 101-yard effort against New Mexico. His 27 receptions for 257 yards and three touchdowns is the highest total in the country among freshman receivers.
Punter Tom Waring ranks eighth in the nation in punting, averaging a Mountain West Conference leading 44.8 yards per punt.
Quarterback Jay Stoner ranks second on Wyoming¹s all-time passing yards list with 6,764 career yards.
Patrick Chukwurah leads the conference with 12 tackles for loss, totalling 56 yards. The senior linebacker has 40 for his career.
Wyoming has converted on 7-of-10 fourth down attempts this season.
Middle linebacker Kwabena Peprah leads the Mountain West Conference in tackles with 53. Through five games, he is averaging 10.6 tackles per contest, second best in the league.
Key Stat: The Cowboys have lost 24 players to injury that are either lost for the season or out indefinitely, 13 of which are starters.
200-Yard Passing Games
Bret Engemann, So., BYU 2 416 (Virginia)
Matt Newton, Sr., Colorado State 2 327 (Colorado)
Charlie Peterson, Jr., BYU 2 268 (Miss. State)
Jason Thomas, So., UNLV 2 259 (Air Force)
Jay Stoner, Sr., Wyoming 2 209 (New Mexico)
Darnell Arceneaux, Sr., Utah 1 219 (Wash. State)
Jack Hawley, Sr., San Diego State 1 219 (Arizona State)
Mike Thiessen, Sr., Air Force 1 203 (BYU)
300-Yard Passing Games
Bret Engemann, So., BYU 1 416 (Virginia)
Matt Newton, Sr., Colorado State 1 327 (Colorado)
100-Yard Rushing Games
Adam Tate, Jr., RB, Utah 2 133 (Utah State)
Nate Scott, Jr., RB, Wyoming 1 192 (Central Mich.)
Holmon Wiggins, Jr., RB, New Mexico 1 168 (Wyoming)
Luke Staley, So., BYU 1 167 (UNLV)
Cecil Sapp, So., RB, Colorado State 1 119 (E. Tenn. St.)
Rashaan Sanders, So., RB, Colorado State 1 116 (Nevada)
Jason Thomas, So., QB, UNLV 1 107 (Iowa State)
Duan Ruff, Jr., RB, Colorado State 1 106 (Nevada)
Kevin Brown, Sr., RB,UNLV 1 103 (N. Texas)
Mike Thiessen, Sr., QB, Air Force 1 101 (CS-Northridge)
100-Yard Receiving Games
Ryan Fleming, Jr., Air Force 2 145 (BYU)
Cliff Russell, Jr., Utah 2 141 (Arizona)
Nate Turner, Sr., UNLV 2 140 (Iowa State)
Troy Mason, So., UNLV 2 122 (BYU)
Frank Rice, Sr., Colorado State 2 113 (Colorado)
Jonathan Pittman, Sr., BYU 1 161 (Virginia)
Ryan McGuffey, Fr., Wyoming 1 101 (New Mexico)
Mutltiple Touchdown Games - Rushing
Brian McDonald, Jr., BYU 1 3 (Virginia)
Adam Tate, Jr., Utah 1 3 (Utah State)
Jeremi Rudolph, Sr., UNLV 2 2 (N. Texas, Air Force)
Cecil Sapp, So., Colorado State 1 2 (E. Tenn. St.)
Nate Scott, Jr., Wyoming 1 2 (Central Mich.)
Duan Ruff, Jr., Colorado State 1 2 (Nevada)
Mutltiple Touchdown Games - Passing
Rudy Caamano, So., New Mexico 3 3 (Wyoming)
Mike Thiessen, Sr., Air Force 2 4 (BYU)
Matt Newton, Sr., Colorado State 1 4 (Colorado)
Jay Stoner, Sr., Wyoming 2 3 (Nevada)
Charlie Peterson, Jr., BYU 2 2 (Miss. State, Syracuse)
Jason Thomas, So., UNLV 2 2 (Iowa State/N. Texas)
Darnell Arceneaux, Sr., Utah 1 2 (Wash. State)
Bret Engemann, So., BYU 1 2 (Virginia)
Mutltiple Touchdown Games -Receiving
Jonathan Pittman, Sr., WR, BYU 2 2 (Miss. State, Syracuse)
Ryan McGuffey, Fr., WR, Wyoming 1 2 (Arizona)
Frank Rice, Sr., WR, Colorado State 1 2 (Colorado)
Ryan Fleming, Jr., WR, Air Force 1 2 (BYU)
Qualario Brown, Sr., RB, Air Force 1 2 (BYU)
Nate Turner, Sr., WR, UNLV 1 2 (Iowa State)
Cliff Russell, Jr., WR, Utah 1 2 (Wash. State)
Game Notes
The Cougars have won four straight vs. Utah State and 14 of the last 15 games. Last season¹s contest required overtime, the third in BYU history, to decide a winner with the teams combining for 916 yards of total offense. BYU has outscored Utah State by a combined score of 155-89 over the last four games.
The Series
BYU leads 37-33-3. Last meeting: BYU 34, Utah State 31, OT, October 1, 1999 in Logan, Utah.
The Coaches
The Aggies are 1-3 under first year coach Mick Dennehy. In eight years as a head coach Dennehy¹s record stands at 50-27. LaVell Edwards is in his 29th and final season at BYU with a 253-99-3 overall record. Edwards is 20-6 alltime vs. Utah State.
Players to Watch - Utah State (1-3, 0-1 WAC)
Passer: Jose Fuentes (4 GP, 93-46-6, 49.4 Pct, 668 Yds, 6 TD, Longest Pass - 74 Yds)
Rusher: Emmett White (4 GP, 67 Att., 324 Yds, 4.8 Avg Per Rush., 1 TD, Longest Rush - 43 Yds)
Receiver: Aaron Jones (4 GP, 22 Rec., 338 Yds, 15.4 Avg Per Rec., 5 TD, Longest Rec. - 70 Yds)
Saturday, October 7
Hughes Stadium (30,000)
Fort Collins, Colo.
1 p.m. (MT), ESPN+Plus
Game Notes
The game marks the Mountain West Conference opener for Colorado State. New Mexico racked up 472 yards of total offense last year against the Rams. CSU has won five of the last six meetings.
The Series
Colorado State leads 27-20. Last meeting: Colorado State 36, New Mexico 22, Novermber 6, 1999 in Albuquerque, N.M.
The Coaches
New Mexico¹s Rocky Long is in his third season at the helm of the Lobos and is 10-19 in his two-plus seasons in Albuquerque. Prior to his days at New Mexico, Long was the defensive coordinator for UCLA. Sonny Lubick is 81-47 overall in 11-plus years as a head coach and 60-28 during his seven-plus year tenure at Colorado State.
Players to Watch Colorado State (3-1, 0-0 MWC)
Passer: Matt Newton (4 GP, 107-62-7, 57.9 Pct, 863 Yds, 7 TD, Longest Pass - 59 Yds)
Rusher: Cecil Sapp (4 GP, 56 Att., 335 Yds, 6.0 Avg Per Rush., 3 TD, Longest Rush - 54 Yds)
Receiver: Frank Rice (4 GP, 17 Rec., 332 Yds, 19.5 Avg Per Rec., 3 TD, Longest Rec. - 59 Yds)
Tackler: Rick Crowell (3 GP, 25-11-36, 1 Sack, 1 TFL)
San Diego State at Wyoming
Saturday, October 7
War Memorial Stadium (33,500)
Laramie, Wyo.
5 p.m. (MT), ABC
GAME NOTES
San Diego State begins Mountain West Conference play following a bye week and looking to claim its first victory of the 2000 season. Wyoming has won its last six home games against SDSU, scoring 41 or more points in five of the victories.
THE SERIES
Wyoming leads, 13-8. Last game: San Diego State 39, Wyoming 7, November 27, 1999 in San Diego, Calif.
THE COACHES
Vic Koenning is in his first season at the helm of the Cowboys. He spent the past three seasons as the Wyoming defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach. Ted Tollner is in his seventh season at the helm of the Aztecs and 11th overall as a head coach. He is 37-36 at SDSU and 63-56-1 lifetime. Before coming to SDSU in 1994, Tollner was the head coach at Southern California (1983-86).
Players to Watch San Diego State (0-4, 0-0 MWC)
Passer: Lon Sheriff (3 GP, 66-34-6, 51.5 Pct, 312 Yds, 0 TD, Longest Pass - 31 Yds)
Rusher: Larry Ned (3 GP, 68 Att., 174 Yds, 2.6 Avg Per Rush, 1 TD, Longest Rush - 22 Yds)
Receiver: J.R. Tolver (4 GP, 16 Rec., 170 Yds, 10.6 Avg Per Rec., 0 TD, Longest Rush - 20 Yds)
Tackler: Will Demps (4 GP, 18-14-32, 4 TFL, 3 PBU, 1 QB Hurry, 1 Forced Fumble)
Navy at Air Force
Saturday, October 7
Falcon Stadium (52,480)
Colorado Springs, Colo.
11 a.m. (MT), SportsWest
GAME NOTES
Saturday¹s game marks the 29th consecutive year the two academy¹s have met on the gird iron and 33rd meeting overall. Air Force has won nine of the last ten meetings at Falcon Stadium against the Midshipmen.
THE SERIES
Air Force leads 22-10. Last meeting: Air Force 19, Navy 14, October 9, 1999 in Redskins Stadium, Washington, DC.
THE COACHES
Fisher DeBerry has compiled a 129-70-1 overall record in 16-plus seasons at Air Force. DeBerry is 13-2 all-time vs. Navy. Charlie Weatherbie is in his sixth season at the helm of the Midshipmen football program with a 29-29 record. His career record stands at 44-47 in nine-plus years as a head coach.
Players to Watch Navy (0-4)
Passer: B. Broadwater (3 GP, 54-31-0, 57.4 Pct, 248 Yds, 0 TDs, Longest Pass - 33 Yds)
Rusher: R. Lambert (4 GP, 57 Att., 225 Yds, 3.9 Avg Per Rush, 0 TD, Longest Rush - 31 Yds)
Receiver: B. Rampani (3 GP, 11 Rec., 111 Yds, 10.1 Avg Per Rec., 0 TD, Longest Rec. - 14 Yds)
Tackler: C. Lepore (4 GP, 30-12-42, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PBU)
Nevada at UNLV
Saturday, October 7
Sam Boyd Stadium (36,800)
Las Vegas, Nev.
7 p.m. (PT), SportsWest
GAME NOTES
Nevada plays its third consecutive game against Mountain West Conference teams, coming off a 35-28 win at Wyoming and a ----- against Colorado State. Nevada has claimed five straight victories over the Rebels.
THE SERIES
Utah leads 67-28-4. Last Game: Utah 38, Utah State 18, 1999 in Salt Lake City, UT.
THE COACHES
Chris Tormey is also in his first season at Nevada. As a head coach the past five years at his alma mater, Idaho, he guided the Vandals to a 33-23 record Prior to that, he was part of three straight Rose Bowl squads with the University of Washington, including the 1991 national championship team. John Robinson is in his second season at UNLV and is 5-10 overall. Prior to UNLV, Robinson coached at Southern California for 12 years (1976-82, Oe93-97) and the NFL¹s Los Angeles Rams for nine years (1983-91) prior to his arrival at UNLV. His college coaching record stands at 108-45-4, while his NFL record was 79-74.
