Still Atop The WAC: Nevada Defeats Hawaii 31-21

It wasn't pretty, but Nevada managed a win over Hawaii 31-21 on Saturday in Reno. Hawaii got off to a fast start going up 14 -0 in the first quarter on terrific pass plays. Hawaii has one of the best passing offenses in the country and I could see why. Early on, they picked Nevada's secondary apart. But the Wolf Pack defense stepped up and saved the day. Nevada's defensive line did not pressure Hawaii much. The absence of Kevin Basped who sat out the game apparently sidelined by a sprained knee sustained last week against Idaho, was very apparent. A change I noted was how the secondary stepped up, making two key interceptions and just missing two more. Maybe Nevada's secondary is finally getting it together. After the second quarter, Hawaii no longer looked like the 6th best passing offense in the nation.

Kaepernick was his typical self, running wild. He also completed some nice passes including a beauty to Trey Session for a TD. Last year, Kap became only the 6th QB in FBS history to pass for 2,000 and run for 1,000 yards in a single season. Yesterday, he became only the 6th player FBS history to score 200 points passing and 200 points rushing in his career.  He still has another year so he will certainly move up in that category.

Nevada is still #2 in the nation in total offense and #1 in rushing yards per game. They take on SJSU next week and then Fresno State on November 14. If they can win those games and their game against NM State, it will all come down to Nov 27 against BSU in Boise. Nevada has been very successful against BSU scoring 101 points against the Broncos in just their past two games but still managed to lose both by only a combined 9 points. Nevada outscored BSU 31-17 in the second half of their last game to nearly overcome a large first half deficit. With a little bit better defense, Nevada could give BSU a real challenge.

To beat Nevada, you have to have one LB focused exclusively on Kaepernick. If you can stop him from rushing you still have to stop Taua, Lippincott and Ball. No one, not even Notre Dame has been able to do that.  Even if you could stop their rush, Kap can beat you with his arm. He has a rocket arm and is thowing with much better "touch" this year. Nevada will score, that is a certainty. The only way to beat Nevada is to outscore them by challenging their secondary.

For Nevada to be successful, they need to hold the ball as long as possible. They can move the ball on the ground against anybody. They have to keep the ball and control time of possession. They need to shore up the secondary and limit big plays. Nevada has a potent pair of DE's in Moch and Basped and needs them both healthy and in the game.

I am not sure Nevada can beat BSU. But if any WAC team can give the Broncos a run for the money, it's the Wolk Pack. If they play their best, they have the potential to pull off an upset. BSU, despite their weak schedule, may just be a spectacularly good team. It's just hard to tell where they really are. Their single quality opponent, Oregon has looked quite good since the loss to BSU in week 1. The way Oregon destroyed USC was astonishing. Either they have gotten a lot better since losing to BSU or the Broncos are really that good. We'll find out on Nov 27. In the meantime, keep an eye on Nevada, they are much better than their 0-3 start suggested. Kaepernick is certainly thrilling to watch.

Kudos to Idaho for their gutsy come from behind win over La Tech. It has been a joy to watch the Vandals improve. Also, USU lost another close one, this time to Fresno. Though they don't get much respect, USU is getting steadily better. They are losing close games to really good teams.