Jan. 6, 2009

LAS VEGAS - UNLV running backs coach Kenith Pope has left the program to join the staff at Iowa State, head coach Mike Sanford announced Tuesday.

A veteran of three decades in coaching, Pope spent just one season with the Rebels before deciding to join new Cyclone head coach Paul Rhoads in Ames.

Pope joined the Rebels after five years as the assistant head coach at Texas A&M.

UNLV and Iowa State played each last season with the Rebels earning a 34-31 victory on September 20.