Nevada's Offensive Avalanche Buries UNLV

You probably missed it. The TV experts deemed the game unworthy.  It got no coverage on ESPN. But I was there and I saw it. I must say I was not surprised because any team that can score 101 points against Boise State in their last two games alone, can put up some points. But after a 0-3 start that included a goose egg in South Bend, an embarrasing self-destruction at Colorado State and a mistake filled close one that one slipped away against Missouri, expectations for the Wolf Pack were not great on Saturday afternoon. Many feared Nevada would lose the Fremont Canon.

But this one was different. From the very beginning Nevada looked better. They dominated the game early and jumped out to a quick lead. Then, like a recurring nightmare, they couldn't hold on to the ball. 4, count 'em, four fumbles let UNLV back in the game. It was 21-21 at the half and 28-28 midway through the third quarter.

Then, it happened. Nevada's sleeping offense erupted for 35 points in the 4th quarter. It was an offensive explosion like I have never seen. In fact, digesting the stats afterward proves that statement right. Nevada's offense broke records Saturday night.

Just ponder these numbers: 773 yards of total offense and 559 yards rushing. No 1A team has produced this much offense yet this season. QB Colin Kaepernick threw for 200 yards and rushed for 173 himself.

If ever Coach Ault's strategy of "playing up" early against big time teams like Notre Dame and Missouri needed vindication, this game was it. Nevada looked much bigger and stronger. The O line produced holes so big you could drive a truck through them. Ault earned his 199th win and his team is now ready for the WAC. It wasn't as though UNLV was a weak team. They were 2-2 and barely lost to Oregon State. But they have never seen anything like this before, an absolute avalanche of offense.

The Wolf Pack may be 1-3. But the WAC had better be ready. They've been playing with the big boys and it showed on Saturday in Reno. While some WAC teams are fattening up on, and struggling with, 1AA teams, Nevada has been earning their lumps against big programs. This explosion of offense is a glimpse of what this team is capable of. Now, if they can just hold on to the ball and cut down on those dumb penalties, you could be looking at the WAC champion.

Michael A. Patmas, MD