"I never really read too much into that stuff. I don't think anybody on our team is afraid to tackle or whatever they said. We're just looking forward to another game," defensive end Paul Kruger said. "We've got high goals for ourselves, and we want to play well.

So to us it's just another game and we're looking forward to it."

Sanford is also taking a philosophical approach, dismissing the notion it could be a pivotal game for UNLV's future.

"I look at every game as a game that could turn our program around. It's a week-to-week thing," he said. "I don't hinge everything on one game because one game does not a season make. But at the same time this is our next game. This is our most important game because it is our game this week and it's our first conference game and obviously is a very good opponent."

A big game, he continued, but not one that the world's economy will depend on.

EXTRA POINTS: UNLV has lost 15 consecutive conference games on the road. The Rebels' last win was a 24-20 decision at BYU in 2004. ... Sanford's only road victory as UNLV's head coach was last year's 23-16 non-conference opener at Utah State. His teams are 1-17 overall away from Sam Boyd Stadium. ... Like Sanford, UNLV offensive line coach Keith Uperesa was also part of Urban Meyer's 2004 staff at Utah.

Home-opener

UNLV (1-0) at No. 22 Utah (1-0)
Saturday, 6 p.m.
TV: The mtn.
Radio: 700 AM

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com