The Nevada Football team took on the University of Kansas Jayhawks on Sept. 16, losing the match-up 31-24 in a four quarter nail biter.
The Wolf Pack started the game stuttering, with their defense being carved up by the Jawharks offense in their first drive. After, Kansas got the first score of the game thanks to a Devin Neal, Kansas running back; Neal’s touchdown would be the only score of the quarter.
In their first drive of the game, the Wolf Pack’s running game looked as though it might contend with the Jayhawks, until Brandon Lewis, Nevada quarterback, fumbled the ball on a third and four try in Nevada territory.
Neither team saw the other side of the field until Nevada’s last drive, where they started at the Kansas 48-yard line.
Lewis and the Wolf Pack offense marched down the field. Just like the Pack’s first drive, fumbles from Jamaal Bell, wide receiver, and Sean Dollars, running back, set them back to the Kansas 24 before the end of the quarter. After 15 minutes, the Pack trailed 7-0.
Nevada stepped up its performance in the second quarter. The Pack had to settle for a field goal in their drive that carried over from the first. Nevada allowed the Jayhawks to march down the field right afterwards. However, the defense was able to stave off the attack right outside the red zone, making Kansas settle for three points, its only points of the quarter.
After both teams went three-and-out, the Pack got the ball with 5:20 left in the quarter. Nevada slowly worked down the field, getting down the field and scoring a touchdown with 25 seconds left in the half. The drive was highlighted by Lewis running for 20 yards to set up Sean Dollars, running back, for the rushing touchdown.
Kansas could not score before the end of the half, making the game tied 10-10 at the half.
Both teams came out of the half slipping on offense. Neither Nevada or Kansas could put the ball in the end zone at first. Nevada had two three-and-outs while Jalon Daniels, Kansas quarterback, fumbled the football at the Nevada 39, which was recovered by Drew Watts, Nevada Linebacker.
The defensive fireworks stopped at the 5:07 mark of the quarter. After an 11-play drive, Nevada allowed Daniel Hishaw, Kansas running back, to run in another Jayhawks touchdown. Both teams would then score on their next drives, both being highlighted by a 53-yard pass from Nevada and a 59-yard pass from Kansas.
With the remaining time, Nevada would march down to midfield, where they would draw Austin Booker, Kansas defensive lineman, offside to get a last second first down. After three, the Wolf Pack trailed 24-17.
The fourth quarter was the opposite of the third. Nevada, utilized their midfield positioning and tied up the game off of a Lewis two-yard run despite the fumble scare from Ashton Hayes, Nevada running back. However, Kansas was quick to answer. The Wolf Pack defense was diced up by Daniels, who set up yet another rushing touchdown with two double digit passing plays.
Down by a touchdown, Nevada took the field at its own one yard line. Thanks to another fumble by the offense, this time from Lewis, the momentum swung back in favor of the Jayhawks. Lewis’ second fumble marked the fifth time the Pack did so in the game.
Even though the defense staved off Kansas one final time, the Nevada offense still couldn’t muster more than 22 yards before turning the ball over on downs. When the clock struck zero, the Wolf Pack lost 31-24.
With the loss, the Pack moved to 0-3 on the season. The team’s losing streak reached 13 games, dating back to Sept. 10, 2022, which is the longest losing streak in college football.
The Wolf Pack’s next game is on Sept. 23, where they will travel to San Marcos, Texas to play the Texas State University Bobcats at 4 pm.
Derek Raridon can be reached via email draridon@sagebrush.unr.edu or via Twitter @RaridonDerek
