The Nevada Sagebrush

Football: Rushing game excels as Nevada defeats Bulldogs 52-14

By: Lukas Eggen

Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 7:05 PM

Nevada running back Luke Lippincott breaks away from Fresno State's defensive line. Lippincott finished the game with 149 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Photo by Brain Bolton/Nevada Sagebrush

Hyped as a clash between two of the Western Athletic Conference’s top teams quickly turned into a blow out as the Wolf Pack defeated Fresno State 52-14.

After giving up two first quarter touchdowns, Nevada’s defense held the Bulldogs without a point the final three quarters and forced five turnovers.

“The defense was just outstanding,” head coach Chris Ault said. “We gave up two quick ones that were very easy. Then we played some defense.”

The victory was even more special because the Wolf Pack honored 15 senior players, including defensive back Jonathan Amaya and running back Luke Lippincott, who had 10 carries for 149 yards and three touchdowns.

“It definitely got me a little hyped before the game,” said Amaya, who led the team with eight tackles. “We wanted to go out with a bang.”

And that’s exactly what the Wolf Pack did. Despite throwing for only 45 yards, Nevada rushed for 461 yards.

“Our offensive line has been dominating lately,” quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. “Some of the holes they ran through, I don’t know how you could miss them.”

Nevada and Fresno State traded scores in the first quarter, with the Bulldogs scoring two touchdowns and Nevada getting a touchdown and a field goal.

After the second quarter, however, it was all Nevada, scoring 42 points over the final three quarters.

“I feel like we clicked on all cylinders,” Lippincott said.

The Wolf Pack plays at New Mexico State next Saturday. Last season, the Aggies defeated Nevada 48-45 at Mackay Stadium. With the victory, Nevada improved to 7-3 and 6-0 in the conference.

Note:

Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews was injured late in the second quarter. He was carted off the field and did not return.

Lukas Eggen can be reached at leggen@nevadasagebrush.com.