Mauga injury leaves Pack without captain
Nevada’s defense took a big hit this weekend when the team lost linebackers Joshua Mauga and Mike Bethea to injury.
Nevada defensive coordinator Nigel Burton did not say how long Mauga and Bethea would be out of the Wolf Pack’s lineup.
“There are going to have to be some guys to pick up the slack,” Burton said. “Just like when Luke Lippincott went down, when Brandon Fragger went down, some people picked up the slack.”
Mauga (chest) and Bethea (foot) were both injured last week. Mauga was injured in the second quarter of the Wolf Pack’s 38-31 loss Saturday at Hawaii
Nevada’s loss marked the third time this season Nevada’s offense accumulated more than 481 total yards in a game and lost.
The injuries will hurt one of Nevada’s few strengths on defense. The linebackers have led Nevada this season in stopping opposing rush attacks. The Wolf Pack is No. 4 in the nation in least rush yards allowed per game (69.5).
“It’s tough to replace a guy like (Mauga),” Burton said. “We got some young guys and they are going to make young guy mistakes that (Mauga) wouldn’t in two classes — has left the Wolf Pack vulnerable to pass attacks this season.
The discrepancy must have been revealed in Wilson’s crystal ball because Nevada reacted in 2008.
The Wolf Pack grabbed eight defensive backs in its 2008 class, which was more than it committed in the previous four years combined.
“That was by design,” Mastro said. “We had to address that last year.”
The young class forced the Wolf Pack to rely heavily on 2008 junior college transfers Mike Evans, Antoine Thompson and Mo Harvey.
“It’s been a unique challenge,” Nevada cornerbacks coach James Ward said. “It’s been week-to-week and continuing to get better in constant competition.
“I just wish they’d learn faster.”
Ward said Nevada fans would still have to wait to see much of the talent from 2008’s recruiting class.
Khalid Wooten, Ahmad Wood and Thaddeus Brown have spent extensive time on the defensive backfield’s scout team as redshirt freshmen.
“They are coming around good,” Ward said. “I think they are going to shock some people in the spring and continue to do that next year.”
The Wolf Pack can also look forward to freshman Isaiah Frey, who has spent limited playing time in the defensive backfield this season.
Mastro remains confident with the progress of 2008’s recruiting class, even with its struggles.
“This will be the best secondary recruiting class we’ve ever had,” he said. “There will be no issues. The future is bright. The foundation is there and the pieces are in place. Now we can just pick and choose the cream of the crop.”
Emerson Marcus can be reached at emarcus@nevadasagebrush.com
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