But both UNLV starting linebackers said they feel rejuvenated for Saturday afternoon's home finale against Wyoming (5-3, 2-2) after having a bye following eight straight weeks without a break.

"I feel incredibly better,'' Seward, who ranks second in the Mountain West Conference in tackles with an average of 9.8 per game, told the Las Vegas Sun. "It's hard when you go that many games without a bye week. Last year we had two of them. This year we have just one and it's late in the season.''

The Rebels held just three mid-week practices last week before taking Friday and Saturday off. They held a short one-hour practice in shorts and shoulder pads on Sunday and then got another day off on Monday.

"Coach (John) Robinson gave us a lot of time this week to let our bodies heal, which is important,'' Seward said. "My breaks (at Sunday night's workout) feel a lot quicker now. I didn't feel any pain in my foot at all. It's great. It's amazing what a week (off) can do to bring your body back. I feel like the season just started. I feel great right now.''

"Everybody got their legs back,'' Claridge said. "The main thing you get from a bye is to get your legs back and also the mental part of it as well. I know I am better mentally prepared for the last three games of the season, and hopefully the other guys on the team are too.''

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Rebels have three players who are expected to be drafted by the NFL next spring -- linebackers Adam Seward (9.8 tackles per game) and Ryan Claridge (9.5 tackles, 6.0 sacks), and All-American strong safety Jamaal Brimmer (8.9 tackles, one sack). Brimmer, in fact, has moved up to the first round in some NFL draft projections.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Wyoming is fighting for a bowl game. Some of us are fighting for self-respect." -- UNLV coach John Robinson on Saturday's game against 5-3 Wyoming.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Dominique Dorsey -- Leads the Mountain West Conference and ranks 11th nationally in rushing with 946 yards on 153 carries (6.2 avg.) and five touchdowns.

WR Earvin Johnson -- Named one of the eleven semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award. Has 43 receptions for 585 yards and six touchdowns and needs just 165 yards to break the school record for receiving yards (2,558) set by Damon Williams (1995-98).

ROSTER REPORT: Starting wide receiver Earvin Johnson, who left the team's 63-28 loss at Utah two weeks ago with a pair of dislocated fingers, will play. Starting offensive guard Joe Critchfield (Achilles' strain) is probable. Sophomore Shane Steichen is expected to make his second straight start at quarterback.