Oct. 11, 1999

LAS VEGAS - UNLV running back Jeremi Rudolph and kick returner/receiver Duane "Toy Train" James earned Mountain West Conference players of the week honors, the league announced Monday.

Rudolph was named MWC Offensive Player of the Week. The junior ran for 149 yards on 32 carries to lead the Rebels to a stunning 35-32 victory at No. 27-ranked Wyoming on Saturday. The native of Apopka, Fla., also had two receptions for seven yards. He currently ranks third in the league with 85.2 yards per game rushing and ninth in all-purpose yards with 95.7 per game. Including last week's 120-yard rushing game at Nevada, Reno, Rudolph became the first UNLV player to earn back-to-back 100-yard games since 1997.

James was tabbed MWC Special Teams Player of the Week. The sophomore from San Diego returned two punts for 55 yards, including a 43-yard return for a touchdown in the second half. He also caught one pass for a 13-yard touchdown. James, a native of San Diego, has two career punt returns for scores and currently ranks third in the league and 33rd in the nation with a 10.5-yard average.

Also, New Mexico senior safety Brian Urlacher was named MWC Defensive Player of the Week after totaling 20 tackles, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in a 24-21 Lobo victory at San Diego State.

UNLV defensive back Kevin Thomas is the only other Rebel to earn a MWC honor this season, winning the defensive award on Sept. 13.