Hawaii Upsets Nevada as Wolf Pack Says, "Aloha" to Top 25

"I single-handedly lost this game tonight," said Nevada's Colin Kaepernick after losing 27-21 in an upset that cost the Wolf Pack their Top 25 ranking. Citing his two interceptions and two fumbles, Kaepernick maintained that those mistakes turned what should have been a 21-point victory into a six-point loss.

Indeed, this was without question, Kaepernick's worst game in a very long time. Fumbling the ball early in the game deep in Pack territory set Hawaii up for an easy score. Later, while running for what would have been his 52nd rushing TD, Kaepernick simply dropped the ball, which rolled into the end zone for a touchback.

In the final minutes, after a scoring drive and successful onside kick, Kaepernick led the Pack downfield. With two minutes left and the end zone in sight, his final pass was deflected by his intended receiver into the hands of a defender sealing the victory for Hawaii. Nevada had again lost a game in a pattern familiar to Wolf Pack fans from the past few years. Digging themselves into a deep hole in the first half, only to rally in the second half, outscore the opponent and lose by one score or less. Nevada actually outscored the Warriors 21-10 in the second half, most of those points coming in the fourth quarter.

In all fairness, Hawaii played very well. Kaepernick's errors were costly and but for them, Nevada would likely still be undefeated. But some credit must be given to Hawaii's stout defense that held Nevada in check and their prodigious offense. Warrior QB Moniz was most impressive connecting with multiple receivers while under intense pressure from Nevada's Dontay Moch.

The loss ruined Nevada's hope to remain undefeated when they meet Boise State on November 26. As unpleasant as this loss was for the Wolf Pack, it may have been just as costly to the Broncos. BSU had hoped Nevada would be undefeated and ranked as high as possible when they played them in an effort to make their case for the BCS championship.

But there is an untold story here. Exactly how did Hawaii beat Nevada? What is behind this all-too-familiar pattern of an early hole followed by a furious rally that falls just short? I believe there are two factors, both which are coachable moments.

Hawaii, like SMU did last season, used the "Boise defense" to beat Nevada. What is the "Boise defense"? It is the strategy the Broncos successfully invented to narrowly defeat Nevada the past three years. First, put one or more defenders on Kaepernick at all times. Stop Kaepernick and you stop Nevada. Every one of Kaepernick's keepers but one was greeted by a wall of poi-fed green kahunas.

Second, force him to fumble. Kaepernick carries the ball in his outstretched hand and has become a target for defenders who worry less about tackling him and go after the ball instead.

Third, cut off the running lanes in Nevada's north-south rushing game. Fourth, challenge Nevada's secondary. Although they are playing much better than last season, the secondary still gave up too many big pass plays last night.

Opponents who have been paying attention have used this strategy. Those who haven't, such as Cal, were caught off guard by Kaepernick's speed. Hawaii has obviously been watching.

Nevada can thwart the "Boise defense," but it requires a change in the Wolf Pack's offensive strategy. Nevada cannot simply rush Taua up the middle all night long. If the opponent is tracking Kaepernick like a laser beam, having him run the keeper over and over is not going to work.

Ault and Kaepernick did make the necessary adjustment' with three minutes left in the third quarter it was as if a light finally went on. Suddenly, Kaepernick began with play-action and immediately Nevada began moving the ball and scoring. My question is, "Why did it take nearly 45 minutes before this adjustment was made?"

The season is far from over. Nevada still has six remaining games. If they can win the next four (Fresno State, Idaho, Utah State and New Mexico State) in a convincing manner before they face Boise on November 26, there is still a chance they could get back in the Top 25 and pull off the big upset. But, Kaepernick and the coaching staff have simply got to mix up the play-calling better. A four-component strategy that contains, play-action, the option, a mixture of pass plays and a variety of running plays in a less predictable pattern are what is needed.

Nevada cannot run the same two plays over and over and expect to beat any competent team using the "Boise defense."

There was one bright spot neglected by those who covered last night's otherwise disappointing performance. Kaepernick had his 51st rushing TD. He is now eight away from tying the all-time NCAA record for rushing TDs by a quarterback. With six games left, he still has an opportunity to go down in history as the best rushing QB ever. Nine more rushing TDs and six more games to earn his spot in NCAA history as the best ever.