It was a gray Colorado November day when the team UNLV head coach John Robinson had been building for years finally showed up.

The good news was that the Rebels ran in bunches, passed with purpose and tackled with authority in upsetting No. 13-ranked Colorado State 36-33. The bad news? It was the last game of a season featuring too few wins and too many headaches.

However, it was during that 60 minutes that the 2003 season really began. It was on the Hughes Stadium turf that a quarterback with a surprising call to duty, a tailback off the bench and a receiver with lofty expectations still unfulfilled all separately served notice of better days to come. Kurt Nantkes, a last-minute starter at QB, overcame a rough start to throw for three touchdowns, including the late game-winner. Larry Croom, who never had more than 11 attempts in a game while working behind a senior starter, bolted for 222 yards on 20 carries. Earvin Johnson, who had been billed as the top prep signee in the Robinson era, hauled in 12 footballs for 132 yards and the first multiple-score game of his career.

Indeed, along with defensive heroes such as linebacker Adam Seward, who led the conference in tackles, and Jamaal Brimmer, who would be named the league's defensive MVP, the stars began to shine on that overcast afternoon.

Now, Rebel fans are left hoping the days ahead will be even brighter.

"Our program is now at a level that is consistent with a yearly contender in the league," says Robinson, who relinquished his duties as UNLV athletics director for family reasons in May. "This was our best recruiting class and I think with our size and speed, we have drawn even with most of the league. We have the tools to be very explosive. It is being efficient and effective with them that is the key."

Although his squads have won more games in the last three years combined (17) than any such period since the PCAA days of 1984-86 (22), Robinson, who needs eight more wins to become the second-winningest coach in school history, knows that after two straight losing seasons the Rebels must soon regain their winning ways for the program to flourish.

"The last two years we have had a high number of could've, should've games that we have been in and not won," says the former national coach of the year. "That is an area that must turn around. UNLV may be one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the country this season. We will be in a lot of games that will come down to the last minute. Whether we make the dynamic play at the end will dictate how our year will go."

THE OFFENSE

"The undisputed strength of our offense is the running backs," Robinson says. "We have three or four guys who can be big-time producers and have been before. We just have to be smart in using them all. We have two receivers who have experience in making big plays and I think our line will be better, but like most schools nowadays, we lack real depth there. We also have some questions about the tight-end area. We'll have a new look at quarterback and Kurt Nantkes is a real leader. He has maturity and we think he had enough experience last year that he'll successfully step into the starting role."

Offensive coordinator Rob Boras says the weapons are in place, the trick will be to utilize them more effectively.

"We have running backs and receivers that are great athletes," says Boras. "We have to spread the ball among them smartly, quickly, efficiently and securely. We don't want to hold on to the football a long time. We want to distribute into the hands of the playmakers and take advantage of their speed."

RUNNING BACKS

Despite the departure of "Jersey" Joe Haro and his two-year rushing total of 1,948 yards, the Rebel tailback cupboard is chock full of talent in 2003.

Former Arizona transfer Larry Croom (5-10, 205, SR-1L) reached 605 yards on the ground with a measly 84 carries to produce a gaudy average of 7.2 per attempt. The senior boasts a resume of two 100-yard games off the bench including the magnificent 222-yard performance at CSU as well as a game-changing 100-yard receiving night vs. UNR.

Solidly built and enduringly elusive, look for Croom to excel in the spotlight this fall.

"Larry Croom is one of the more versatile backs that I have coached," says Robinson. "He is also fabulous at catching the ball and getting down field. He is as good as it gets at making you miss. He has great escapability. His coach, John Jackson is someone that always demands a physical running style and as Larry improves on that and changes some old habits, he will become even more effective as a senior."

Often-explosive Dominique Dorsey (5-6, 165, JR-2L), was even more efficient last year with his 568 yards on just 78 runs (7.3 YPC) and his two century-mark games came on just seven attempts (101 yards vs. Wyoming) and 11 (101 vs. Air Force). He will have to become more durable, however, to earn an increased load as Robinson says Dorsey, who missed spring ball after having elbow surgery, is worth the price of admission -- when healthy.

Another former Pac-10 performer, Deon Burnett (5-11, 210, SR-1L), saw limited action with just 44 yards on 15 carries but looks to take advantage of a final chance to regain the form that saw him net 974 yards and 12 touchdowns at Washington State in 1999.

The only newcomer of the group is no less impressive. Alvin Marshall (5-10, 185, JR-TR), who signed with Nebraska out of high school and has been called the Marshall Faulk of junior college while at Compton CC, will most likely bring his blazing speed to both the tailback and receiver spots. Listed as the No. 13 JC recruit overall by at least one publication, Marshall signed early, went through spring practice and has every intention of immediately pushing Croom & Co. for carries.

Two letterwinners are back at fullback but both look for their first career carries: tough-nosed Andrew Faga (6-0, 250, SR-2L) and multi-talented Dyante Perkins (6-0, 225, JR-1L), the latter of whom picked up his first career score with a 14-yard touchdown reception at Toledo.

QUARTERBACKS

Who will take over for the departed Jason Thomas at quarterback - only the second three-year starter at the position in UNLV history - is no secret. After biding his time for two years of mainly clipboard duty, veteran Kurt Nantkes (6-4, 225, JR-2L) neatly disposed of any potential QB controversy in Fort Collins last November as he led his team to a thrilling upset win over the Liberty Bowl-bound Rams despite learning of the start just an hour before kickoff.

"That was great for Kurt," Robinson says. "His performance solidified the position for 2003 before the year was over. He has always been full of confidence and had high expectations for himself but going out and proving it has had a steadying influence on the team." For the year, the former minor-league baseball pitcher posted 405 yards passing, six scores and five interceptions but it is his just-under 50 percent completion percentage that coaches say must make the biggest favorable jump as a starter.

"The team has a quiet confidence that Kurt is going to have a great passing year." says Robinson. "He is accurate and can get the ball down field, so our passing percentage will go up. His age gives him maturity and he has had to wait his turn so now that he has a chance, I think we'll see Kurt at his best."

While not the caliber of runner of Thomas (who left with more yards on the ground - 1,528 - than any Rebel QB), Nantkes is tall and athletic and not exactly void of maneuverability. The real question at quarterback is who will be No. 2 for the Rebels. Young Tyler Arciaga (6-3, 225, FR-RS) possesses a big arm while Scott Turner (6-3, 200, SO-1L), who is the son of longtime NFL coach Norv Turner, brings great understanding of the position and system. However, neither has taken a snap as a college quarterback.

Also factor into the signal-caller mix highly touted recruit Shane Steichen (6-3, 175, FR-HS), who hit town in the fall.

"The backup area is very cloudy," Robinson says after spring ball failed to produce a clear leader. "Arciaga is a talent and has a great arm. Turner is a system quarterback who can be a successful manager of the offense. Shane is a very bright prospect and we'll give him an early look."

OFFENSIVE LINE/TIGHT ENDS

"We have more size on the offensive line and it is a group that is full of promise," says Robinson. "Physically, they will measure up well against the rest of the league but now they just need to play and get experience."

Four-year starting guard Tony Terrell is off to the NFL while the right tackle position was left vacant as well. Their replacements will emerge from a cache of returning youngsters and highly touted mid-year JC products.

"The returners have to step up and the four or five guys vying for the two open spots have to show they can fit in," says Boras, who also oversees the blockers. "We had some big guys starting on the (bowl winning) 2000 team but the size of this group as a whole is bigger than any time I have been here."

The vet of the line sits smack dab in the middle as center Dominic Furio (6-3, 295, SR-3L) will be the only three-year letterman in the 2003 huddles.

"Dominic Furio is a tough player who has established a great work ethic," says Boras. "He doesn't take a play off, which makes him a leader with the line and entire offense. His experience as a starter last year is invaluable for this fall."

The left tackle spot will bring back big Matt Williams (6-6, 300, SR-1L), who started 11 of 12 games a year ago after making the adjustment from junior college. Left guard Marcus Johnson (6-1, 300, JR-2L) has shown signs of developing into an all-conference player but must become more consistent.

Both jobs on the right side are up for grabs. Returnee Zach Gorham (6-5, 310, SO-1L) will battle highly touted Tyler Crandal (6-7, 285, JR-TR) at tackle while first team JC All-American Joe Critchfield (6-4, 315, JR-TR) will try to hold off impressive redshirt Marco Guerra (6-5, 330, FR-RS).

Also looking to break into the rotation is a fivesome without a D-I down to its name: Brandon Gray (6-4, 310, FR-RS), Marcus Bryan (6-4, 280, FR-RS), Aaron Mueller (6-2, 280, FR-RS), Harvey Robinson (6-0, 285, SO-RS) and Sam Yeganeh (6-1, 270, FR-RS).

Down at tight end there will be a new coach and a new starter for the first time since 2000. Senior Ryan Clifford (6-2, 250, SR-2L) has shown good blocking skills but will be pushed hard by super-tall JC signee Greg Estandia (6-8, 240, JR-TR), who showed off ball-catching ability in the spring.

Backups include nice-sized redshirt Joe Del Castillo (6-5, 240, FR-RS), Steve Vaccaro (6-3, 225, JR-TR) and Jason Luxenberg (6-0, 215, SO-SQ).

Assigned to pick among the large group of largely untested players is new offensive assistant and former Cal and Arizona State head coach Bruce Snyder.

"Bruce has already established that he is going to have a big influence on his positions (tight end and fullback) and help our offense overall," Robinson says. "He is adding a toughness and efficiency to our team that will be apparent this fall. His presence also allows me to split time between the offense and defense."

WIDE RECEIVERS

Also getting a new coach this season are the Rebel receivers, who welcomed former Toledo assistant and Oklahoma starting quarterback Garrick McGee to town this spring.

Don't expect McGee to be disappointed with his material. A pair of veterans bring back 93 of the 169 UNLV receptions and offer the first set of clear starters at wideout since 2000. Former elite recruit and 2002 second team All-MWC honoree Earvin Johnson (6-3, 200, JR-2L), hauled in 51 balls for 793 yards and four TDs and really came on at the end of the season, including a 12-reception, 132-yard effort with Nantkes at QB in the season finale. EJ, who had three 100-yard games as a sophomore, has caught a pass in 19 straight games.

Doing him one better is Michael Johnson (5-11, 190, SR-3L), who has an active 20-game streak to his credit. MJ also set career highs with 42 catches for 502 yards and two scores last season. "We have more speed and skill and more people who possess both," Robinson says. "Johnson & Johnson give us a chance to do some things. Earvin Johnson has a chance to become a premier player in the country and Michael Johnson has improved tremendously going into his senior year. We also have some real speedy guys that will help us have a more effective passing game."

Also expected in the four-man rotation is former JC transfer David Relf (6-1, 190, SR-1L/six receptions for 80 yards) who looked to have gotten over the hump late in the season after a rough start. Also, athletic Terry Furlow (6-0, 190, SO-TR) is a sometimes-quarterback from Fresno State who is too speedy not to be on the field and showed promise this spring at his new position after sitting out a season.

A group of youngsters also competed well in the spring and will look for time: Tremayne Kirkland (6-0, 150, FR-RS), Donell Wheaton (6-0, 180, FR-HS) and Shelvion Williams (6-3, 200, FR-RS). Also, a big receiving threat is available from another position as no less than 49 catches in 2002 came from Rebel running backs, including Larry Croom's 20 for 267 yards. Whether coming out of the backfield or lining up in the slot, look for the trend to continue, especially considering the fleet feet and steady hands of newcomer Alvin Marshall.

THE DEFENSE

"This year we will be more balanced overall and much faster," says Robinson. "Last season we lacked speed on defense and lost some key players to injury before we even got started. If we stay healthy, we will be much better.

"The linebackers will be the strength of our defense. That is an exceptional group of men. We will have to replace a couple of people in the secondary. Jamaal Brimmer comes back as a player of the year at safety. Corner is one of our big question marks. We have some players who have to step up and earn the playing time. We really fell off last year after superior play there in years past. We don't have a proven player back like (former All-American) Kevin Thomas or (2002 senior) Jamaal Wynn."

With the return of various standouts and the infusion of some speedy transfers, coordinator Mike Bradeson says look for the Rebel D to attack like never before.

"We want to play fast and force turnovers," says Bradeson. "Speed is issue No. 1 for us and turnovers are 1A. We want to set a new standard of play that is higher than ever before here."

DEFENSIVE LINE

The marquee player on the Rebel front line has a new spot. Even so, Dietrich Canterberry (6-4, 310, SR-3L) seems poised to emerge as a star at end after a 38-takedown, 2.5-sack junior campaign down at tackle.

"Dietrich Canterberry will be the leader there," says Robinson. "He is big, seasoned and at the top of most the categories on our strength board. He looks to be becoming a dominant defensive lineman."

The other side features the return of former JC All-American Chris Eagen (6-4, 270, SR-1L), who finished seventh on the team with 45 tackles and third with four sacks. Look for the 12-game starter to vie for all-conference honors as a senior leader despite missing spring practice with an abdominal injury. Also hoping to earn starts is emerging talent Leon Moore (6-5, 260, SO-1L). Though still learning, the local product's rookie effort produced 11 tackles for loss, three sacks and freshman All-America notices.

Other ends include Pete Dunbar (6-4, 250, SR-1L), who was a pleasant surprise as a junior and will look to overcome a sports hernia, along with young Ryan Heise (6-3, 250, FR-RS). The nose-tackle position is held by another big senior, nine-game starter Joe Oniwor (6-1, 300, SR-1L), who hopes to have a bigger impact after making the transition from junior college a year ago. Pushing the veteran will be prized rookie Howie Fuimaono (6-1, 315, FR-HS).

Others expected to compete for tackle time include another JC product, Brian Nicholson (6-5, 275, JR-TR), who had the luxury of going through spring practice, redshirt Steve Lawless (6-0, 275, JR-RS) and newcomer Josh Mareko (5-10, 270, JR-TR).

LINEBACKERS

Blessed with speed, tenacity and depth, this group lacks national publicity but still may rival any linebacker unit in college football.

We'll start in the middle where Las Vegas product Adam Seward (6-2, 250, JR-2L) led the Mountain West Conference in tackles with 133, which was the third best total in school history. The all-conference backer reached double figures in nine of 12 games, including the last five.

Seward's effort will only be strengthened with the return of strong-side teammate and budding star Ryan Claridge (6-3, 250, JR-2L), who missed all of last year with a sports hernia after being a popular preseason all-league pick. Claridge, who boasts 130 tackles in two seasons on the field, was a glaring defensive absence after he finished second in the nation with six forced fumbles in 2001.

"We have two premier players at this position," Robinson says. "Adam Seward established himself last year as one of the nation's top linebackers. He is gifted physically and extremely dedicated and explosive. He and Ryan Claridge, who has all the physical gifts and an instinct you just can't teach, will both be major factors in this conference for the next two years. Overall, we have six players at linebacker we feel will make a major impact this season."

Zach Bell (6-1, 220, JR-2L/21 tackles), who Robinson says may have turned in the best spring on the team, and Terrence Young (6-1, 235, JR-2L/42 tackles) filled in effectively for Claridge last fall and the pair looks to be back on target for big junior seasons.

The weak-side spot is anything but with the activation of a super-quick duo. Reggie Butler (6-0, 220, JR-TR) is ready to play after sitting out after a transfer year and JC All-American John Andrews (6-1, 210, JR-TR), who hails from the same program as Alvin Marshall, used spring ball to get acclimated.

Special teams star Derek Olsen (6-3, 215, SR-3L) should get plenty of plays as well with Kristopher Brown (6-1, 260, JR-RS) and Matt Seccombe (6-1, 240, FR-RS) adding depth.

SECONDARY

Most of UNLV's questions come from this area but there is no questioning the rising star of strong safety Jamaal Brimmer (6-1, 210, JR-2L). The surprise 2002 MWC Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, Brimmer stormed on to the scene by leading the league with 17 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 100 takedowns overall. One of his three forced fumbles resulted in him scoring a game-clinching touchdown at BYU. Fast and ferocious on the blitz, Brimmer must still learn to keep the motor running.

"Jamaal Brimmer is a fast, smart, instinctive and often intense player," Bradeson says. "He is not afraid to hit you. However, he needs to learn to play fast and hard every down out there. Develop the consistency that great players have. If he keeps making progress, he will be an All-America candidate before he's through."

Big hitting Joe Miklos (6-1, 205, SO-1L) looks to find a home at free safety after previously spending time with the linebackers. He will be pushed in the fall with the arrival of Will Tagoai (6-1, 205, JR-TR), a highly sought-after safety from Palomar College who is expected to make an immediate impact.

While rookie Jay Staggs (6-0, 210, FR-HS) moved over from receiver during preseason camp, veterans Sean Mackey (6-1, 195, SR-3L) and Mike Clancey (5-10, 175, SR-1L) figure in as the backups despite both heading into the season with injuries.

The cornerbacks make up the least experienced spot on the team with only Ruschard Dodd-Masters (6-0, 175, JR-2L) having a real impact a year ago with his 48 tackles and two interceptions. On the other side, athletic Jason Rogers (5-11, 190, FR-RS) was penciled in as the other starter before summer ACL surgery meant the former receiver would instead have to wait another year to make his college debut.

Look for young David Olsen (5-11, 195, SO-1L) and '02 two-game starter Daniel Jones (5-10, 190, SR-1L/35 tackles), who looks to regain his lofty JC numbers in his final season, to battle for the starting nod. Also in the rotation should be a pair of freshmen -- Ernest Gordon (6-0, 165, FR-HS), who went through his first spring practice, and Solomon Smart (6-0, 185, FR-HS), who arrived in the fall. Jesus Wright (5-8, 180, JR-RS) leads the group of backups, which Trent Williams (6-1, 200, SO-TR) and Mike Frazier (6-0, 215, JR-TR).

THE SPECIAL TEAMS

"All of our kicking game is back, which is a nice position to be in," Robinson says. "Dillon Pieffer (5-11, 180, SR-3L) is solid and has shown he can hit from long distances. Despite the statistical evidence (38.3 average ranked 84th in 2002), Gary Cook (5-11, 200, JR-2L) became a very effective punter (26 kicks inside the opponents' 20-yard-line) and can become even better in his last two years."

Brian Cortney (6-4, 200, FR-RS) backs up both and former kick-off man Hubi Schulze Zumkley (6-2, 220, SO-1L) returns after a stint in the German army.

Pieffer looks to kick off again while Cook is expected to be the holder. Ryan Heise leads the list of long-snapping candidates.

After ranking 104th in kickoff returns and 96th in punt returns in 2002 despite the presence of proven talent in those areas, UNLV coaches are re-committing to make that phase of the game a positive.

"We suffered terribly last year in the return game," Robinson says. "We have the speed and talent. The year before we were a leader in the nation but last year it didn't work for us. It is an area that we will really emphasize to get continuity."

Newcomer Alvin Marshall showed in the spring why he is considered a dangerous threat while veterans Larry Croom, Dominique Dorsey and Deon Burnett add plenty of potential for big plays as return men.

THE SCHEDULE

Back-to-back nationally televised games, a first-ever trip to Kansas and dates against a school-record six bowl teams highlight the 2003 schedule. And there are certainly no sure wins along the way.

"It's challenging from beginning to end," says Robinson, who is shooting for his 10th college bowl trip. "The early stretch away from home (four of five games on the road) is a concern. There are good and bad things in everyone's schedule but we just have to prepare for it."

The Rebels kick off their season at home for the second straight year by welcoming Motor City Bowl participant Toledo on Friday August 29 live on ESPN. A trip to Big 12 Conference member Kansas on Sept. 6 will open the road slate. UNLV downed the Jayhawks at home last year in the first-ever meeting between the schools.

On Sept. 13, the Rebels take on Wisconsin in Madison for the third time in history but first time since 1998. The game, which has been picked up by ESPN2, will be the sixth in the series between the Big Ten and MWC teams. The Badgers, who last season downed UNLV before a school-record crowd of 42,075 at Sam Boyd, won the 2002 Alamo Bowl.

Next, UNLV comes home to host former WAC rival Hawaii on Sept. 19 in another game that was moved to Friday for another ESPN2 slot. The Rebels have won only five of 15 all-time meetings but have taken the last two, including the Warriors' last Las Vegas appearance in 1997. UH capped last season by playing in the inaugural Hawaii Bowl.

After the first of two off weeks on Sept. 27, UNLV will wage the 29th edition of the Battle for the Fremont Cannon at Nevada, Reno on Oct. 4. The Rebels will attempt to win four straight in the series for only the second time ever and first time since 1974-77.

The MWC schedule opens Oct. 11 with a trip to Air Force, which played in the inaugural San Francisco Bowl in 2002.

UNLV will then begin a stretch of four home games in five dates when it hosts Utah on Oct. 18. The Rebels have not defeated the Utes since their first-ever meeting in 1979. BYU, which has never lost at Sam Boyd, comes to town for an Oct. 25 meeting that is scheduled to be shown by ABC-TV. Last year in Provo, the Rebels downed the Cougars for the first time since 1981. The Rebels will look for their first win in Albuquerque since 1991 during a Nov. 1 trip to New Mexico. The Lobos played in the 2002 Las Vegas Bowl. UNLV will then return home to take on San Diego State on Nov. 8 before the final bye week on Nov. 15

The home schedule closes out Nov. 22 when defending MWC champion Colorado State hits town. The Rams, whose only league loss in 2002 came at the hands of UNLV, went on to play in the Liberty Bowl.

The regular-season finale will be a trip to play Wyoming during Thanksgiving weekend. The Nov. 29 date will mark by far the latest UNLV has headed to Laramie in six all-time meetings, besting the game on Nov. 8, 1997.

"The Mountain West Conference is very balanced," Robinson says. "No one seems to have a huge advantage year in and year out. Wisconsin figures to be the highest ranked opponent that we play. Just about every other game is a toss-up, which is more typical of college football now than ever and is especially true for us this season."