UNLV analysis: Late swoon sinks Rebels

the numbers

Monday, Nov. 12, 2001 | 10:39 a.m.

First Quarter: UNLV 7, New Mexico 7

The man: Freshman tailback Dominique Dorsey went 40 yards with a pitch off left tackle to tie the game for the Rebels, 7-7.

Turning point: Freshman linebacker Adam Seward ripped the ball away from New Mexico running back Javier Hanson at the UNLV 6-yard line to thwart another Lobo scoring opportunity.

Throwing the flag: New Mexico picked up a rare offsides penalty on the opening kickoff, but due to an apparent communications mixup, the Rebels turned down the penalty and took the ball on their own 20 anyway.

Game within the game: UNLV starting quarterback Jason Thomas stayed in the locker room with the flu during warmups and redshirt freshman Kurt Nantkes started his first college game in Thomas' place. Thomas eventually watched the game from the sidelines wearing sweats.

Second Quarter: UNLV 17-14

The man: Rebel placekicker Dillon Pieffer kicked a 49-yard field goal to break a 14-14 tie. It was the longest field goal by a Rebel since 1994.

Turning point: Walk-on wide receiver Andrew Dubiellak caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Nantkes to give UNLV a 14-7 lead. It was the first catch in the career of the senior from Port Moody, B.C., who beat all-MWC corner Stephen Persley on the play.

Throwing the flag: Lobo safety Terrell Golden picked up a key 15-yard late hit penalty on UNLV's touchdown drive.

Game within the game: Offensive guard Greg Hulett was carted off the field at the end of the half with his knee in a brace, likely signalling the end of his UNLV career.

Third Quarter: New Mexico 24-17

The man: Lobo running back Holmon Wiggins gained 37 yards on four carries and also caught a pass for another 21 yards.

Turning point: Nantkes fumbled a routine snap on his own 34-yard line to set up what would prove to be the game-winning touchdown for the Lobos.

Throwing the flag: UNLV picked up a five-yard illegal shift penalty that wiped out a 55-yard pass play from Nantkes to Haro to the New Mexico 8-yard-line.

Game within the game: There was another special teams blunder in the punt game. Rebel "gunner" Ruschard Dodd-Masters got a 15-yard personal foul penalty and was ejected for hammering Wiggins well before the ball arrived.

Fourth Quarter: New Mexico 27-17

The man: Lobo placekicker Vladimir Borombozin kicked a 40-yard field goal, his 16th in a row dating to 2000, with 2:01 left to seal the win for New Mexico.

Turning point: Facing a fourth-and-1 at the New Mexico 35 with a little less than eight minutes remaining, the Rebels decided to go for it. Haro was stuffed for no gain and the Lobos took over on downs.

Throwing the flag: The Rebels had just six penalties for 55 yards, but the third quarter illegal shift penalty that wiped out the long pass play to Haro killed UNLV's best scoring opportunity after intermission.

Game within the game: After a promising start, the Rebel offense grounded to a halt in the second half. UNLV accumulated just 83 yards on 33 plays in the final 30 minutes.