Las Vegas Beats New Mexico State

LAS VEGAS — 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 night in the Big West Conference opener for both teams.

Brightmon, who had 11 carries, gave UNLV a 20-7 lead on an 89-yard run with 12:42 left. The previous longest run in UNLV’s 22-year football history was an 87-yard touchdown by Henry Melton against New Mexico Highlands in 1974.

The Rebels (2-1) lost starting running back Tommy Jackson with 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.