Runnin' Wild: Nevada Wolfpack and the Pistol Offense

Right now, you are probably thinking that Boise St. is going to steamroll the whole WAC conference and cruise to a WAC and a national championship. However, Boise St. has one major hurdle before they can be considered to play for a title.

Obviously, this hurdle is the Nevada Wolfpack and their crazy pistol offense.

Chris Ault built this offense in 2004, not realizing that it was absolutely perfect for the personnel he has for the 2010 team. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has rushed for about 3,500 yards in his four-year career as the leader of the offense. Also, running back Vai Taua has rushed for 2,800 yards in a little over three years as the lead back. Kaepernick and Taua, along with Luke Lippincott, became the first three teammates to all rush for 1,000 yards in the same season—obviously a result of the multi-dimensional ground attack.

Rushing is not the only source of yards for the No. 2-rated offense in the NCAA (Oregon is first). Passing is critical to the balance of the offense and with an incredibly efficient QB in Colin Kaepernick (69-19 career TD-INT and 158.25 rating this season), Ault can run his offense at full strength knowing that he has a trusty senior quarterback.

The Wolfpack defense is not great, but they are allowing only 18.8 points a game, similar to Boise State's 14.8 mark. However, both teams have played weak schedules and have allowed 20+ points in all of their games against decent teams. 

Now, I'm going to go out on a limb and say both teams will be 10-0 going into the November 26th showdown at Reno's Mackay Stadium.

Here is a preview of the aforementioned game: First, Nevada will be playing in front a hometown crowd and that is an obvious advantage. The best match up in the game is obviously Nevada's No. 2-rated offense and the Broncos No. 2-rated defense. Kellen Moore is likely to tear through the Wolfpack secondary that has a mediocre eight interceptions this season.

The Wolfpack has come a long way in a short period of time and increased national attention is sure to come with success. However, the question remains: Will the offense be able to live up to national expectations and deliver an undefeated season on the backs of senior skill players?