by Tony Niklinski
Daily Lobo
Even though UNM lost 37-35 to the UNLV Rebels on Saturday at University Stadium, the defense fulfilled its part of the bargain.
The Rebels would still be winless in Mountain West Conference play if it weren't for the 17 points they scored off Lobo turnovers.
The Lobo defense has continued to improve under first-year defensive coordinator Osia Lewis. Before Saturday, UNM had allowed an average of only 18.6 points a game this season. There hasn't been such a dominating UNM defense since 1979, when the Lobos allowed 17.6 points a game.
The Lobos are the sixth in the nation and first in the conference when it comes to stopping the run. Opposing backs average 74.9 rushing yards a game. Only four rushing touchdowns have been scored this season against the UNM defense.
The Rebels were not successful in their running game, as they managed only 74 yards on 49 carries and 155 yards in the air. UNLV ran a total of 73 plays for 229 yards.
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Besides the score, the only thing the Rebels controlled was time of possession. UNLV had the ball for 34:13.
Senior defensive end Zach Rupp had a break out game against the Rebels. Coming into the match, Rupp had 27 tackles, with eight of them for a loss and two sacks.
Saturday he recorded new career bests in three categories: tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. Rupp had a total of 15 tackles, with 5.5 of them for a total loss of 25 yards. Rupp also forced a fumble and had 1.5 sacks for 13 yards lost.
"They were running a lot of things my way, it was mainly outside containment," Rupp said. "Our emotions got the better of us during the first half. But we played much better in the second. We made a lot of mistakes during the game, which could have made the whole game different. I think personal fouls and points off turnovers hurt us the most."
Despite two losses, the Lobos can still win the MWC and they are still in contention for a bowl game. If UNM wins its final three regular season games, it can still be eligible for the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec 24, the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31 or the Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl on Dec. 31.
The Lobos will play Colorado State Friday at 7 p.m. at University Stadium. The Rams and the Lobos are now tied for fourth in the conference with two wins and two losses a piece. Utah, Air Force and BYU are tied for the MWC lead.
