Coach Rocky Long admits the weather played more of a factor in Monday's game against UNLV than he would have liked.
Going into the matchup, he said it was no big deal that the Lobos would be playing a day game.
He didn't count on the 80-degree temperatures and 40 percent humidity at game time.
"I never imagined five guys would be getting IVs at halftime," Long said during Wednesday's media lunch.
Throw in other guys feeling sluggish and guys throwing up on the sidelines, and you've got an ugly recipe.
Trainer Dave Binder works to keep the team hydrated, but several equipment failures hurt the Lobos. Fans and misters on the New Mexico sideline were broken and were not available to keep Lobos cool on the sidelines. UNLV, however, brought their equipment and had fans and misters going on its sideline. Fans in the New Mexico lockerroom, which does not have air conditioning, also were broken.
Trainers serve players as much water as they can consume, but Long said a lot of players pass it up and don't drink enough.
Hank Baskett, who suffered cramps and had to have an IV after the game, isn't one of them. Long said Baskett drinks something like two gallons during the game, and he was suffering.
"It was probably one of the hottest and most humid games I've ever seen here," Long said.
Missouri will be humid, but Long said the 6 p.m. kickoff should help the Lobos fight off more dehydration trouble. Long said playing under the blazing New Mexico sun made a huge difference and won't be a problem Saturday.
And yes, the staff has fixed the sideline fans so the Lobos should be able to stay cool.

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