Horton calm as Rebels face CSU

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- His team is 0-3, has been outscored 145-24 and ranks near the bottom of nearly every major NCAA Division I category.

And barring a major upset Saturday in Fort Collins, Colo., Jeff Horton's UNLV Rebels likely will be 0-4 and coming off another drubbing by Colorado State.

Things obviously could be a whole lot better at Rebel Park. But after arguably his team's best week of practice this week, Horton seems remarkably calm for someone who has not won a football game in almost a year.

"Me, if I was feeling any better, the FBI would be after me," Horton said with a smile.

Does he know something we don't? Or is it simply the results of some awfully positive thinking?

"I should have a PhD. in psychology by now," Horton said. "I've read about ten books on the subject. I've run the full gamut. Anthony Robbins, Pat Riley. ... I've read all their books."

Despite the slow start, Horton remains positive that his team can turn it around.

"We have a good attitude," he said. "The kids are working hard. We just don't have anything to show for it yet."

That doesn't figure to change Saturday, either.

Colorado State (2-2, 0-1) was the consensus choice to win the final WAC Championship Game on Dec. 5 at Sam Boyd Stadium. There even was talk the Rams could be a darkhorse candidate for the national championship after they rallied from a 16-0 deficit to defeat Michigan State 23-16 in their season-opener at East Lansing.

But after a closer-than-the-score-indicates 42-14 loss to Colorado and a 26-14 victory over Nevada-Reno, the Rams suffered a potentially devastating setback to Air Force, 30-27. CSU suddenly finds itself in a three-way tie with UNLV and SMU for last place in the WAC's Mountain Division.

Sonny Lubick's Rams have been in this position before ... like last year. CSU started 2-2 a year ago and lost to Air Force 24-0 in its fourth game on national TV. The Rams didn't lose again and clobbered Missouri 35-23 in the Holiday Bowl.

More bad news for the Rebels: In its fifth game last year, coming on the heels of a tough Air Force loss, Colorado State hosted Hawaii. Final score: CSU 63, Hawaii 0.

"We're in the same boat we were last year after the Air Force game and we just weren't turning the corner then, either," Colorado State running back Kevin McDougal said. "Right after Air Force, it all came together. Hopefully, we'll take that to heart."

If UNLV is to have any chance Saturday, its rush defense, which ranks a woeful 111th out of 112 Division I teams (yielding an average of 292.7 yards per game), will have to tighten up.

McDougal and Damon Washington both were 1,000-yard rushers a year ago for the Rams, and the duo combined for 199 yards and scored three touchdowns in Colorado State's 45-19 win over the Rebels last year at Sam Boyd Stadium.

However, both McDougal (53 yards per game) and Washington (60.2) are off to slow starts and will need big numbers Saturday against the Rebels if they hope to repeat their dual 1,000-yard campaigns.

Meanwhile, the Rebel offense, which is averaging just 8 points and 213.3 total yards, needs a breakout game Saturday to keep things competitive.

"Colorado State is a very good team, but then so are the last three teams we played," quarterback Chris Hayward said. "It doesn't get any easier."

* REBEL NOTES: Believe it or not, UNLV holds a 3-2-1 series lead against Colorado State although the Rams have won the last two meetiings. ... The game pits the two best punters in the WAC this season, Colorado State's Deone Horinek (46.2 avg., ninth nationally) and UNLV's Joe Kristosik (45.2 avg., 13th nationally). ... Outside linebacker A.C. Smith, who separated his shoulder in practice this week, went through some drills but won't play Saturday. However, middle linebacker Dusty Pearce (knee) and defensive back Amar Brisco (knee) both will play for the first time this season. ... UNLV coach Jeff Horton said all-WAC offensive guard Mike Reily (knee), who saw limited practice time this week, won't make the trip to Fort Collins but should be able to play next week against Nevada-Reno. ... Backup linebacker Bret Gilbert (ankle) also won't make the trip.

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