The Nevada Sagebrush

Late in the third quarter, New Mexico State was driving. The Aggies had yet another possession in Nevada territory. On third down, quarterback Andrew Manley threw to his left when cornerback Isaiah Frey made a leaping interception. It was that kind of day for New Mexico State.

Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick (center) celebrates with running back Mike Ball. Kaepernick set the program for passing touchdowns against New Mexico State. Photo by Tony Contin/Nevada Sagebrush

Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw for two touchdowns, setting the school record for most passing touchdowns in program history (79), and Nevada rolled to a 52-6 victory Saturday at Mackay Stadium.

“Definitely, it is an honor,” Kaepernick said of the record. “It’s been a good four years for me.”

New Mexico State upset Nevada 48-45 in 2008, but, this time around the Wolf Pack led the whole game after scoring with the opening possession of the game.

“I’m really proud of the way we played on all occasions,” head coach Chris Ault said.

The victory gave Nevada its 500th victory as a program and its first 10-win season in program history.

“A lot of players play all four years without making history,” Ault said. “Five-hundredth win represents every football program that’s been here.”

The Aggies had six drives go into Nevada territory but managed just six points as Nevada’s defense held an opponent without a touchdown for the second time this season. The first came during a 51-6 victory against Colorado State on Sept. 11.

Nevada’s defense was able to pressure the Aggies all day long, getting six sacks. Defensive end Dontay Moch led the team with three sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Khalid Wooten returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving Nevada its second defensive touchdown of the season.

“Defense needed to set the tone,” Moch said. “We have to keep trying to dominate and keep doing what we do best and that’s keep winning and keep our offense on the field.”

Leading 10-0 after the first quarter, Kaepernick threw a pair of touchdowns, a 22-yarder to tight end Virgil Green and a 79-yarder to running back Vai Taua. Kaepernick also had a nine-yard touchdown run as Nevada extended its lead to 31-3 at the half.

The victory improved Nevada’s record to 10-1 overall and 5-1 in Western Athletic Conference play. Nevada hosts Boise State 7:15 p.m. Friday in what could decide the WAC champion.

And, after a long wait, players can finally focus on the Broncos.

“We’ve been groomed since spring ball really, for this point,” defensive tackle Brett Roy said. “They’ve been putting us in every kind of situation so we can stand up and rise to the occasion.”

Notes:

–Nevada quarterback Colin Kapernick trails only Eric Crouch (59, Nebraska) and Tim Tebow (57, Florida) in most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in FBS history. He has 55.

–Kaepernick needs 16 more rushing yards to become the first quarterback in FBS history with three seasons of at least 1,000 rushing yards and 2,000 passing yards.

–Nevada running back Vai Taua is the NCAA’s active career leader with 24 games of more than 100 yards rushing.

–The Wolf Pack defense recorded a season-high six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Defensive end Dontay Moch led the way with three sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.

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

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