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Lobos wide receiver Marcus Smith has endured the most grueling 10 days of his life.

But every time he felt too beaten and broken to keep going, he found friends at his side, ready to pick him.

Smith's mother, Sheila, died on Sept. 15. The senior player learned of her death the day after the Lobos' win at Arizona.

His mother raised Smith and his two brothers by herself in San Diego. Smith has struggled to cope with the loss but was learning to trudge through each day.

"It's really hard dealing with it, but I am so grateful to have football, because it gives me something to focus on instead of sitting around thinking about it all day," he said.

Smith was pummeled again when he learned he was solely responsible for her funeral expenses. He is expected to pay at least $6,000, a figure well beyond his means.

Under NCAA rules, UNM cannot help Smith with the funeral expenses or collect money from fans on his behalf.

Fans, however, can make donations to the Sheila M. Smith Memorial Fund at any First Community Bank. The donations have to be made in person at one of the bank branches in New Mexico or Colorado. Any amount raised beyond the funeral expenses will be donated to charity.

"I can't believe how many people have responded already and helping me out," Smith said. "I've gotten so many cards and letters and prayers from people I don't even know. I didn't realize how many people even cared about me, and I really want to thank them for helping me through all of this."

Smith also is grateful for his teammates.

They are quick to crack jokes and lend a hand whenever he needs it.

"They help me laugh and remind me that I may not be able to call my mom anymore, but she'll always be watching over me," he said. "And when I need a shoulder to lean on, I've got about 125 brothers and all these coaches to take care of me."

Smith will leave after Wednesday's practice, attend the funeral Thursday in San Diego and return to Albuquerque on Thursday night. UNM coach Rocky Long said Smith will start and is slated to play the entire game against BYU.

Sullivan honored: Senior kicker John Sullivan is on a roll.

Sullivan was named Mountain West Conference special teams player of the week. It was the second time he has earned the honor this season.

He hit field goals from 36, 30 and 37 yards, plus seven extra points for a total of 16 during the Lobos' 58-0 win over Sacramento State on Saturday. After starting the season two-of-four on field goals, Sullivan has hit seven straight.

More praise: BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall, who previously was a defensive coordinator at UNM under Long, said during his weekly press conference he is impressed by UNM's offense and the Lobos' hot start.

"The number of (offensive) weapons is what I have been impressed with," he said. "Both edges have great speed, their running back is big and physical and their quarterback is athletic and makes good decisions. I would say they have a typical New Mexico offensive line. They are big and physical.

"They are playing with an edge to them, similar to how Coach Long coaches. They're tough. It is going to present a number of challenges. With the start they are off to, I think New Mexico could weigh in heavily in terms of how this conference race shapes out."