Brightmon Leads Las Vegas Past New Mexico State

Fullback Darin Brightmon rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns, including the longest run in Nevada Las Vegas history, to lead the Rebels to a 26-14 victory over New Mexico State Saturday in the Big West Conference opener for both teams.

Brightmon, who had 11 carries, gave UNLV a 20-7 lead on a school-record 89-yard run with 12:42 to play. His 22-yard touchdown run and catch of a conversion pass from Derek Stott had given the Rebels a 14-7 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The Rebels (2-1) lost starting running back Tommy Jackson with a sprained knee ligament in the first quarter and starting quarterback Charles Price with a sprained finger on his right hand late in the first half.

New Mexico State (0-4) has lost 21 consecutive conference games dating back to 1984.

Marvin Eastman, subbing for Jackson, scored on a six-yard run with 2:13 left in the first half to give UNLV a 6-0 lead. Luis Solario missed the extra-point attempt. Eastman finished with 125 yards in 23 carries.

Anthony Singleton’s one-yard run late in the third quarter gave New Mexico State a 7-6 lead.