by Phil Parker
Daily Lobo
After two straight Saturdays away from University Stadium, UNM welcomes the UNLV Rebels to Albuquerque for this weekend's game.
The Lobos (5-3, 2-1) are streaking, having won four games in a row. Quarterback Casey Kelly's offense has been successful over the stretch, averaging 34 points per game. But the Lobo defense has been especially successful, forcing 19 turnovers in the last four contests.
The Rebels (4-4, 0-3), on the other hand, have lost their last three games, including an overtime loss to BYU last week.
UNLV cannot be overlooked, though, as it boasts one of the top receivers in the Mountain West Conference in Earvin Johnson. Johnson has 50 receptions this season, while UNM senior Dwight Counter leads the Lobos with 19 catches.
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The Lobo coaching staff and players vowed to stay focused after last week's win over then-23rd ranked Utah. The victory knocked the Utes out of the top 25.
Head coach Rocky Long said Tuesday that no game on the schedule is any more important than another - that a win over conference-leading Utah is no bigger than beating Utah State.
"We've addressed the situation," he said. "We have a fairly mature football team so hopefully they realize that one win doesn't win anything."
Senior linebacker Daniel Gawronski described the Utah win as a big victory.
"It was an added bonus that it was a ranked team and we went into their house and beat them," Gawronski said. "But we don't want that to happen to us this weekend. UNLV has a lot of motivation to come in here and upset us."
Though Gawronski and the rushing defense have improved to No. 6, the offense is also playing its best football of the season.
This week senior tackle Jason Lenzmeier became the first offensive lineman in MWC history to be named Offensive Player of the Week. Lenzmeier and the offensive line were dominant in Utah, as UNM racked up 633 yards of total offense.
"Last week was a big win," Lenzmeier said. "But that's exactly what it was - last week. We have another game ahead and that's just the next step on our way to the conference championship."
The Lobos are in prime shape in the conference after their win over the conference leader.
UNLV is the first of three straight home games. Colorado State and Air Force will also be coming to town before UNM heads to Wyoming for the final regular-season matchup.
"It's set up very well for us and we just have to go out and play now," Lenzmeier said. "We have to beat the teams on the schedule."
Gawronski echoed Lenzmeier's sentiments.
"We have three home games, which is in our favor," he said. "We have such high spirits, too. I have never seen everybody meshing together so well. The offense is playing good and the defense is causing turnovers, so it is looking pretty good right now. We just have to keep our focus."
