Conference win likely vs. Vandals
The Nevada Wolf Pack will get a chance to even up its Western Athletic Conference record at 2-2 this weekend when it takes on the last place Idaho Vandals.
The Vandals are 1-7 overall and 0-4 in WAC play, having lost six straight games.
Most recently Idaho lost 45-31 to New Mexico State, a team that was shut out 58-0 two weeks ago by Boise State.
Nevada has momentum coming into this game after beating Utah State 31-28 last weekend, and the signs seem to point to another Wolf Pack victory.
However, Idaho has played some top-notch teams this season, dropping its season opener to then-No. 1 USC and more recently dropping a game to No. 16 Hawaii.
When the Vandals come into Mackay Stadium Saturday they will be desperate for a win. Here’s what Nevada has to do to avoid an upset.
Minimize special teams breakdowns
This is an area where Nevada has struggled all season.
A good game for the special teams unit has come to mean one in which it doesn’t give up a touchdown – not good.
Last weekend Nevada allowed Utah State’s Kevin Robinson to return a punt 70 yards up the left sideline for a touchdown, the second punt return for a score given up by the Wolf Pack this season.
Unfortunately for the Wolf Pack, this is one area where Idaho shines. It is the second-best punt return team in the nation, averaging 20.69 yards per return.
Shiloh Keo already has broken free on one punt return touchdown and he will be looking to keep his team in the game with another one on Saturday.
Nevada should continue to send its punts and kickoffs high into the air, sacrificing field position for stopping big plays, and hope its defense can hold a weak Idaho offense.
Go to Lippincott
Luke Lippincott has racked up 428 yards in the last two games, including 241 yards against Utah State.
The junior has been steadily improving all season and with the hamstring injury to Brandon Fragger, it is more important than ever that he plays to his potential.
Idaho is ranked 66th in the nation in rush defense, presenting Nevada’s offensive line with another opportunity to show its quality.
The Vandals’ pass defense is even worse, ranked 101st in the nation, so if Nevada can get Lippincott going, it could allow Colin Kaepernick to also put up some big yards.
Stop the run
The Vandals offensive strength lies in running back Deonte Jackson, who is averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Shutting him down should be the defense’s No. 1 goal.
Idaho’s starting quarterback Nathan Enderle has been sidelined since having surgery to repair a tendon in his right hand three weeks ago, and his replacement, Brian Nooy, has been mediocre at best.
He has thrown for just 264 yards in Idaho’s last two losses, including 120 in last weekend’s loss to New Mexico State.
Nevada should be able to move its defense forward this game to slow down Jackson without having to worry about Nooy burning it with big passes.
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on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007 at 12:34 am and is filed under Football, Sports.
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