The Nevada Sagebrush

The Wolf Pack (4-3, 2-1) dominated its Homecoming Game 44-17 against Utah State (1-6, 1-2).

The Wolf Pack ran for 284 yards, had a 75-yard touchdown pass and averaged 7.5 yards a play, but Nevada coach Chris Ault was not impressed.

“Offensively, I’m disappointed,”Ault said. “I thought the quarterback play was average, in fact I thought the offense was average.”

Ault was unimpressed because of the problems the Wolf Pack had holding on to the ball. Nevada lost two fumbles, threw two interceptions and had two turnovers on downs. Five of the turnovers were in Utah State territory.

Despite Ault’s thoughts, the Wolf Pack was content with the win, especially with the play of its defense.

The Nevada defense forced nine punts, two turnovers and held the Aggies scoreless until 2:27 left in the first half, a big turnaround from last week when Nevada allowed 513 yards in a 48-45 home loss to New Mexico State.

“We had to reclaim Mackay Stadium,”said defensive end Kevin Basped who had five tackles and a sack. “(Last week’s loss) was kind of on us. The pressure was put on the d-line to shut down the run and we executed.”

Nevada held Utah State to 71 rush yards and sacked Aggies’ quarterback Diondre Borel five times.

On the other side of the ball, junior quarterback Nick Graziano started for the Wolf Pack in place of sophomore Colin Kaepernick. It was Graziano’s first start since last season’s 49-41 Homecoming Game loss to Fresno State.

“Kaepernick was not prepared properly today and he played like that,”Ault said.

Graziano’s start was a last-second move for Nevada.

“(Graziano) didn’t know he was going to play until, probably about less than five seconds before he took the field,”said wide receiver Mike McCoy who caught two passes from Graziano. “He played, I think, excellent under the conditions.”

Graziano passed for 42 yards with an interception in the first quarter.

Kaepernick came into the game with 13:46 left in the second quarter and made an immediate impact. He took the snap on the first play he was in the game, scrambled left and sprinted into the endzone for a 19-yard rushing touchdown.

“(Not starting) is definitely motivating,”Kaepernick said. “To be able to get back in there and make a play was very exciting.”

The Wolf Pack also rushed for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore running back Vai Taua led Nevada with 17 carries, 122 yards and a touchdown.

The strong running game opened up the passing game for Wolf Pack.

In the third quarter, Kaepernick dropped back in the pocket and threw deep down the right sideline for wide receiver Marko Mitchell. Mitchell caught the ball in stride at the Aggies’ 35-yard line and sprinted to the endzone for a 75-yard touchdown. The score extended Nevada’s lead to 30-7.

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