Nevada Wolf Pack Football

Nevada's quarterback, Colin Kaepernick set another all-time NCAA record as the Wolf Pack defeated Louisiana Tech 35-17 on the road. The win sealed Nevada's share of the Western Athletic Conference title. The Wolf Pack (7-1 WAC) finished their season 12-1, highlighted by a victory over previously undefeated Boise State last week. The Pack's sole defeat was a narrow loss against Hawaii in October. For the second time in five years, Nevada earned a share of the WAC title.

It was during the game against Boise State last week that Kaepernick set his first new all-time NCAA record. He became the first player in college football history to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. Saturday he set another, even more impressive record. He is the only player in college football history to have passed for 9,000 yards and rushed for over 4,000 yards.

One would think owning two all-time NCAA records would be impressive enough. But just ponder this: Kaepernick rushed for three TDs against Louisiana Tech. He now stands tied with Eric Crouch for the most rushing TDs (59) by a quarterback in college football history. With an undetermined bowl game still to play, Kaepernick will have an opportunity to set his third all-time NCAA record.

He also shattered another WAC record, breaking Ian Johnson's rushing TD mark, a record formerly held by LaDanian Tomlinson. Considering that the most prolific rusher in WAC history isn't even a running back puts Kaepernick's accomplishments in perspective. He long ago surpassed Tim Tebow's rushing yardage by a QB mark and today passed Tebow's mark for rushing TDs by a QB.

Nevada produced 519 yards of total offense today. Kaepernick was 12-for-16 for 159 yards through the air and did not throw an interception. His career interception total of only 23 over four years compares with some of the best passers in the game. To put that number in perspective, Boise's Kellen Moore, an often-mentioned Heisman candidate because of his very low interception rate, has 18 picks in three years. 

The Wolf Pack ground game was dominant producing 360 yards rushing. Kaepernick rushed 20 times for 155 yards and three TDs, while Vai Taua rushed 29 times for 162 yards and two TDs. Together, Kaepernick and Taua are responsible for the most prolific rushing offense in college football.

Kaepernick's records will likely stand for a long time. Here's why. In the 112 years since there has been organized college football, no one else has even come close to his two all-time NCAA records. Kaepernick has played nearly every game in his four years getting his first start early in his freshman year when former starter Nick Graziano was injured. In that game, Kaepernick put up 67 points against Boise State and has started every game since.

In order for someone to break his records, they would need to be an equally adept dual threat, play nearly every game in four years and avoid injury. Somehow, despite rushing like a running back, Kaepernick has proven to be remarkably durable. So, I think it is fair to say that Colin Kaepernick, arguably the best dual threat in history, will own these all-time NCAA records for a very long time.

One month ago I published an article on B/R describing what Nevada needed to do to beat BSU. Most commenters thought it was an impossible task for the Wolf Pack. I predicted a Wolf Pack victory 35 - 28. My only regret is that I didn't bet on the game! Nevada won 34-31.

Here's how Nevada won. Quite simply they beat BSU on both sides of the ball and rattled the Broncos psychologically. That's why Brotzman choked. Ault also outcoached Petersen.

The key metrics were: First downs: BSU 21 - Nevada 28; 3rd down conversions: BSU 4/10 - Nevada 9/17; Rushing yards: BSU 145 - Nevada 269; total offense BSU 493 - Nevada 528; Penalties: BSU 5/70 - Nevada 4/29; TOP BSU 24:39 - Nevada 50:21. The only metric on which BSU outperformed Nevada was on passing yards 348 to 259.

Now let's grade the Wolf Pack based on what I wrote a month ago.

I said Nevada had to defeat the "Boise Defense" (of Nevada) by not running Kaepernick on the keeper so much. Indeed, Kaepernick only ran the ball 10 times. BSU was expecting him to run more. By over-committing on covering Kaepernick, it opened up passing opportunities and that resulted in him going 19 for 35; 259 passing yards and a passing TD. On this tactic Nevada gets an "A".

Nevada needed to play smart and avoid mistakes. They had one turnover that resulted in 3 points but no others. BSU had more penalties. Nevada played cleaner with fewer mistakes. "B+".

The Wolf Pack needed to be much less predictable. They demonstrated a nicely balanced attack. "A".

Kaepernick needed to throw the ball more. He did, for 259 yards and a TD. "B+".

Nevada needed to stop BSU from jumping out to an early lead. They didn't. BSU led 24-7 at halftime. "C".

The Wolf Pack needed to keep it close and stay within striking distance. The biggest lead BSU had was 17 points. "C".

Nevada needed to stop BSU's running game, especially Doug Martin. They held the Broncos to 145 yards rushing. Nearly half those yards came on one play. "B+".

The Wolf Pack needed to pressure Kellen Moore. They sacked him twice for 16 yards and rattled him into throwing 11 incomplete passes. "B".

Nevada needed to control the clock. Except for the first quarter, they did just that and held the ball twice as long as Boise did. "A".

The Wolf Pack needed some trickery of their own. A double reverse caught BSU on their heels and resulted in a TD for Nevada. "A".

Finally, the fans. Much was made in Boise about the poor turnout for Nevada in the game against New Mexico State. Boise fans ridiculed Nevada fans for not being as loud and as proud. Well, I think they were surprised. Nevada fans showed up. When the entire stadium began singing Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" you could see and feel the momentum shift to Nevada.

Overall, I give the Nevada Wolf Pack a solid "B". They did what was needed to win. They proved BSU could be beaten and they showed how to do it.

Are you listening Utah State?

The Nevada Wolf Pack did what almost no one thought was possible, they defeated the mighty Boise State Broncos last night in Reno. After BSU missed the the game winning field goal in regulation and another three-pointer in OT, Nevada capped a furious comeback to finally defeat the Bronocs.

Nevada's Colin Kaepernick went 19 for 35 through the air for 259  yard s and a TD and had 10 rushes for 45 yards and a TD. It was the 56th rushing TD of his career. The Wolf Pack rolled up 269 yards rushing.

"Shocking, stunning" was how most at the game characterized the win. The TV pundits seemed almost as shocked as the Boise fans, many of whom lingered in Mackay Stadium after the game in silent stunned disbelief. The win by Nevada ended the nations' longest winning streak, BSU's BCS hopes and probably Kellen Moore's shot at the Heisman.

But if folks are surprised by Nevada's win, they shouldn't be. This victory was not surprising or stunning at all to those who have actually watched Nevada over the past four years. Here's why. In the preceding three games, Nevada scored 135 points against BSU and lost all three games by tiny margins. Averaging 45 points per game, Nevada lost all three games on defense. A pattern was evident. Nevada would dig themselves into a hole early, then mount furious comebacks that fell just short, but racked up huge point totals against the Broncos in the process.Nevada consistently outscored BSU in the second half in '07 and '08 and from the second quarter on in '09. Last night was no different. For whatever reason, the Wolf Pack dominates BSU in second halves.

Last night's game had a similar pattern. Nevada fell behind early and was down 24-7 at half time. But in the second half, the Wolf Pack once again outscored BSU handily, 27 - 7, tying the game twice in the final minutes. When BSU missed the game winner, it went to overtime with shades of the epic 69-67 4 OT thriller in '07.

All Nevada needed was a modicum of defense to beat BSU. This win became possible when Nevada Head Coach Chris Ault recruited defensive coordinator Andy Buh. The improved Nevada defense was evident from the first game of the season. Although spotty at times, Nevada was a completely different team on defense this year. Last night they held BSU's offense to 31 points. They have now scored 169 points against BSU in four games.

Surprising? No. Predictable to those who have actually been watching.

Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick is closing in on a defining all-time NCAA record.

With 9,488 passing yards and 3,890 rushing yards, he is already one of only two players in history to surpass the 8,000/3,000 mark.

He stands at the precipice of NCAA history now: 110 rushing yards are all that separate him for being the only player to pass for over 9,000 and rush for over 4,000 yards.

This stat, better than any other, defines what a dual-threat QB is. Kaepernick may soon own the stat that will mark him as the most productive dual threat in NCAA history.

He was ignored by every college football coach except one. Until this season, he was largely ignored by the pundits. But he is on the most important radar screen now because the NFL has come calling. The Kaepernick family living room has had company of late, as representatives of several NFL teams have visited. It is safe to say Colin Kaepernick will be drafted.

But before that day comes, he faces the most important game of his college career when Nevada takes on Boise State in Reno on Friday. BSU's long sought-after hopes for a BCS championship shot are riding on this game. In fact, BSU has been building toward this game for the past four years.

With a strong showing against Nevada, they might just get in. If they lose or if it is a close game, their dream ends.

What stands between BSU and destiny? Colin Kaepernick, the pistol offense and a much improved Nevada defense.

To say that folks in Boise are up for this game is an understatement. Bronco fans are predicting a blowout. Despite the fact that BSU and Nevada have played three very close games in the last three years, they are confident this year will be different.

For the record, Nevada scored 135 points against BSU with Kaepernick at the helm and lost all three games by a combined 20-point margin: two points in '07, seven points in '08 and 11 points last year.

In each of those games, Nevada got off to a bad start, dug themselves into a hole early with blunders and then mounted furious comebacks that fell just short. In fact, Nevada outscored BSU in the second half in '07 and '08 and from the second quarter on in '09.

To beat BSU will be quite a challenge because the Broncos have proven to be a very good team, perhaps the best team in the country. But no one is unbeatable. To pull off an upset Nevada must play its best game of the season. The defense will be key. They have to rattle Kellen Moore and hold his deadly accurate passing game to a minimum. They can't dig themselves into a hole again and have to avoid unforced errors.

It may be a tall order, as BSU absolutely dominated both Hawaii and Fresno State, teams Nevada struggled against. The Broncos appear to be a notch above. But on game day, anything is possible. The weather could be a factor too, as bitter cold and snow may well play a part.

However, Nevada has someone very special at QB. In the last home game of his career, it is up to the best dual threat in history to carry his team to victory.

Dear God,

We don't speak often enough, especially about football. I know, I know—you're quite busy feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and so on. Necessary and awe-inspiring work, to be sure.

But I must request that, for one Friday, you use your powers in the college football universe. More to the point, I implore you to help Nevada wolf down BCS-coveting Boise State.

Although you're all-knowing and read this article before its inception, I nonetheless present to you, the Almighty, 10 reasons why Nevada is holier than Boise State:

Smurf Turf: You created nature. Natural grass is green. Boise State plays on a blue surface. Very anti-God.

Kellen Moore: The Bronco QB lists Charles Darwin as his favorite author.

Colin Kaepernick: The Nevada signal-caller argues incessantly for creationism and against evolution. In addition, the wristband he consults during games includes Bible verses, not plays.

BCS Busters: A recent poll discovered that 93.7 percent of church-going Americans despise BCS busters like Boise State. (Contrary to accepted wisdom, we the people prefer Goliath over David.)

Idaho: In the Bible, Jesus refers to the state of Idaho as your "greatest mistake." Help correct that blunder.

Chris Petersen: The Boise State head coach pelts rabbits with a BB gun for sport. No living creatures are more virtuous than Peter Cottontail and his pals.

Chris Ault: Since 2001, the Wolf Pack coach has donated $3.3 million to charitable causes. His pet cause: SRFCP (Save Rabbits from Chris Petersen). Moreover, according to Ault, he's "60 percent done" building a modern version of The Ark.

Notre Dame: I read your latest Twitter entry (www.twitter.com/God) in which you claimed Notre Dame as "your team." Fair enough, considering Touchdown Jesus and all. So I pose this question: Do you want Boise State to swipe a BCS bid from your 5-5 Irish?

Vai Taua/Doug Martin: Wolf Pack RB Vai Taua recites the Lord's Prayer before each game. Taua's backfield foe, Doug Martin, chooses NWA's Straight Outta Compton album for his "sermon" (Parental Advisory: Explicit Content).

National Championship Game: Even you, God, might not be able to stomach an Oregon-Boise State National Championship matchup. Oregon is unholy enough with that newfangled fast-break offense. Add Boise State's disbelieving quarterback and PETA-unfriendly coach, and the University of Phoenix Stadium will be nothing more than the devil's playground come title time.

Of course, if Auburn defeats Alabama and South Carolina—and Oregon bests Arizona and Oregon State—this article will, in the end, serve no purpose. But with the Broncos poised to gallop past TCU in the BCS standings and Auburn facing two stalwart opponents, the likelihood of Boise State in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 10 is just too great.

Therefore, God, I must, on behalf of the Nevada Wolf Pack and nearly 94 percent of U.S. citizens, ask for a bit of divine intervention starting at 10:15 PM ET on Nov. 26.

Let us pray.

"You have to find a way to win in the fourth quarter," barked Nevada head coach Chris Ault last night in Fresno.

In what must have been a bitter loss, the Bulldogs watched an upset victory over No. 21 Nevada vanish in the closing minutes, as the Wolf Pack did as Ault suggested. They found a way to win in the fourth quarter. 

Furious comebacks are nothing new for Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick. Over the past three seasons, he's engineered drives to lead the Wolf Pack back from significant deficits against Boise State, only to lose by tiny margins. Last night, his comeback did not fall short.

Nevada edged Fresno State, 35-34.

Nevada came back from deficits not once, but twice to take the lead at key moments in the game. After trailing throughout the entire first half, the Wolf Pack had two scores in 27 seconds to take a lead into the locker room at halftime.

Fresno State came back in the second half and regained the advantage, only to watch Nevada pull out the win in the final minutes.

Not one, but two thrilling come-from-behind, last-minute drives in a single game was enough to get the crowd gathered to watch it at the Capital Saloon in Woodland, California, to either stand and cheer or stare in disbelief.

Woodland, not far from Fresno, has a large contingent of both Bulldog and Wolf Pack fans, and they turned out to watch this game in the area's most popular watering hole. I figured it would be a good vantage point from which to watch the game.

Fresno State fans did most of the cheering, as the Bulldogs actually dominated much of the game. Despite the Bulldogs' besting of the Wolf Pack in first downs, rushing yards, passing yards, total offense and time of possession, it was the Nevada fans who were cheering at the end of the game.

The keys to Nevada's win were stout defense when it was needed and their not-to-be-denied QB, Colin Kaepernick. At times, the Pack defense seemed off-kilter and gave up some big plays. But when it absolutely had to stop the Bulldogs, it did.

The other factor was Kaepernick. Playing in front of some 200 family and friends from nearby Turlock, Kaepernick reminded folks why it was an enormous mistake for California schools to have failed to recruit him.

After beating Fresno for the third time, and following up on the thrashing he delivered to Cal earlier this season, California head coaches must be wondering how the former Pittman High School player was missed.

Kaepernick has now passed for 9,237 yards and rushed for 3,852 yards. With three regular season games and a bowl appearance guaranteed, the speedy QB needs 148 more rushing yards to be the only player in NCAA history in the 9,000/4,000 club.

Kaepernick went 10-for-26 for 171 yards while rushing for 152 yards on 16 carries, with two TDs. He now has 54 rushing TDs and needs three more to tie Tim Tebow for second place in NCAA history for rushing TDs by a QB. The all-time record of 59 is held by Eric Crouch, and that record is within reach.

ESPN commentators noted that Kaepernick has season stats that compare favorably and even surpass other dual-threat QBs such as Terrelle Pryor and Cam Newton. But one must consider career stats to truly get a sense for Kaepernick's imprint on the game.

Kaepernick will likely finish his career as the only player in history to pass for over 9,000 yards and rush for over 4,000, will be the only player to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 three times, and be among the top three in NCAA history for rushing yards and rushing TDs by a QB.

Kaepernick isn't just the best dual-threat QB this season, he is arguably the best in NCAA history.

Doubters need only ask the folks at the Capital Saloon about that.

Nevada set a new record Saturday in Moscow, racking up 844 yards of total offense as the Wolf Pack routed the Idaho Vandals 63-17 in the Kibbe Dome. The stats are just astonishing. What's even more amazing is how the pundits have overlooked them despite the significance of this game vis-a-vis the upcoming game against Boise State on November 26.

In addition to setting a new Nevada record for total offense, QB Colin Kaepernick also had a career night, completing 20 of 30 passes for 320 yards and five touchdowns. The Wolf Pack added 453 yards on the ground, as a trio of running backs ran for over 100 yards.

In a bit of a surprise, Kaepernick—who is closing in on stats that will place him among the very best rushing QBs in college football history—rushed for a meager 36 yards and failed to score a single rushing touchdown.

Mired at 52, he is third on the all-time NCAA list for rushing touchdowns by a QB. Even more amazing, he is fourth all-time in the WAC in rushing touchdowns, behind Marshall Faulk, Ian Johnson and LaDanian Tomlinson. Considering he is the only QB on that list, it is even more impressive.

Relying on the "Boise defense" in which one or more defenders key in on Kaepernick to stop him on the keeper, Idaho held the speedy QB in check. It has taken nearly three years, but now just about every WAC team has adopted the strategy first used by Boise State. Hawaii had success using this strategy in recent weeks. Cal had obviously not been paying attention and had no answer for "Colin on the keeper" and got trounced by Nevada earlier this season.

It has also taken some three years for Nevada to abandon its over-reliance on Kaepernick as a rusher. Yesterday, that adaptation was more evident than ever. Stop him from running and Kaepernick can kill you with his arm. Three hundred and twenty yards and five touchdowns in three quarters proved that he is one of the best, if not the best, dual-threat QB in NCAA history.

Kaepernick has now passed for 9,066 yards and rushed for 3,713. He needs to average 72 yards rushing over the next four regular season games to be the only QB in history to pass for over 9,000 and rush for over 4,000 yards.

One final observation contained within this lopsided game was the key to how Nevada can potentially defeat Boise State. The "Boise defense" has an inherent flaw: Over-defending on Kaepernick opens up receivers.

What Nevada must do when they face the Broncos, in addition to playing really clean and solid defense, is to get the Broncos to over-commit defenders on Kaepernick, as they will be anticipating that he will be relying on the keeper.

Then, he needs to dump off some short-to-medium passes to make first downs and keep the ball out of Kellen Moore's hands. Once BSU figures out that Kaepernick is not going to run all night, they will have no choice but to abandon the "Boise defense." Then he will have opportunities to run later in the game.

The Broncos will defend well against the drop-back long pass. Nevada's wide receivers will not beat Boise's secondary. A mix of faked QB keepers with short-to-medium passes early on and a steady diet of traditional Nevada running backs pounding the line will be Nevada's best offensive strategy.

Once BSU backs off on Kaepernick, he can then pull out a run or two in the second half. The key to a win is to reconcile the "Boise defense" and get the Broncos off Kaepernick.

After the game, Idaho Coach Akey spent a long time chatting with Kaepernick, congratulating him on a great game and recognizing the fact that he is closing in on his final season, one that will see him quietly rack up stats that make him arguably the best dual-threat QB in NCAA history.

Nevada's Colin Kaepernick is a little closer to setting three all-time NCAA records in the Wolf Pack's victory over Utah State, 56-42. With the win, Nevada (7-1) reappears in the AP Top 25 and inches up to No. 23 in the BCS rankings.

After jumping out to a 35-0 lead in the first half, Nevada gave up 42 points to the Aggies in the second half, hanging on to win by two touchdowns. But what appeared to be a complete defensive meltdown was actually a glimpse of what the Wolf Pack will look like next year.

Coach Chris Ault sat nearly the entire starting lineup in the second half. With Kaepernick out, RB Vai Taua resting a severe ankle sprain, and most of the starters sitting the bench, the second half was on-the-job experience for the second string. Even so, Ault must have wondered if he pulled his starters too soon, as the Aggies almost got back into it.

Although he only played half the game, Kaepernick made progress toward three important all-time NCAA records. He rushed for 106 yards and scored his 52nd rushing TD. He now stands at third all time in NCAA history for rushing TDs by a QB, and he needs only five more to tie Tim Tebow for second place and seven more to tie Eric Crouch for the all-time record.

With five regular season games to go and a bowl appearance now guaranteed, Nevada's Colin Kaepernick will almost certainly surpass Tebow and may well catch Crouch as the all-time best rushing QB in college football history.

Kaepernick also completed 10-of-15 passes for 190 yards and two TDs. He now has 1670 yards passing so far this season and will almost certainly surpass the 2,000 yard mark for the fourth year in a row. He has 8,746 yards passing in his career.

But Kaepernick also has 771 yards rushing so far this season and will likely top 1,000 yards for the third consecutive year. If he exceeds the 2000/1000 mark this year, he will be the only QB in college football history to do so in three consecutive seasons.

He now has 3,677 rushing yards and needs only 323 more to have passed for over 8,000 and rushed for over 4,000 yards in a career.  He will be only the second player in NCAA history to be in that club, and he has a good chance of being the only player in history to pass for over 9,000 yards and rush for over 4,000.

Mostly unnoticed, Nevada's Colin Kaepernick is laying claim to these three all-time NCAA records, putting him in a league by himself as arguably the greatest dual-threat QB in college football history.

Nevada next faces Idaho and Fresno State on the road, before taking on New Mexico State at home, followed closely by the big game against Boise State in Reno on November 26.

Nevada's loss to Hawaii cost the Wolf Pack their Top 25 ranking. Much has been written about their poor performance.

QB Colin Kaepernick took the blame for the loss in a widely publicized mea culpa. In all fairness, Hawaii played very well and Nevada looked strangely disoriented.

Kaepernick was quoted as saying, "We just didn't play like ourselves." It wasn't until late in the third quarter that they seemed to wake up and quickly scored 21 points.

After recovering an onside kick, Nevada marched downfield and appeared to be going in for the winning score when an interception ended the game.

But is there more to the story? Is there another reason that Nevada was not the same team that demolished every team they had faced all season? I believe there is an untold story—one that was not picked up by any professional reporter. If what I have been told is true, the loss was understandable.

Reliable sources have told me the following. The team departed for Hawaii early Friday morning and had planned to arrive in Honolulu in the afternoon. After dinner and a good night's rest, they were scheduled to practice at Aloha Stadium Saturday morning.

The team flew from Reno to a West Coast departure city for the Hawaii-bound flight. Unfortunately, there was a nine-hour delay. They did not land in Honolulu until 4 am Saturday morning. They didn't get to the hotel until sometime after that, and it was probably closer to 5 or 6 am before they were checked into their hotel rooms.

Instead of practice, coach Chris Ault directed they try to get a few hours' shut-eye before heading out to the stadium.

Ironically, the cheer team took a different flight and arrived Friday afternoon. They were wondering what happened to the football team and why they had not shown up.

Now, I don't know how many readers have ever flown to Hawaii from the mainland. But the Wolf Pack had a one-hour flight, a nine-hour delay, followed by a five-hour flight and an hour to get to the hotel. By my estimate they had at least 18 hours or more of travel time, including a red-eye special. I doubt they slept.

That travel experience would have been exhausting for anyone. Then they had to play a powerful I-A team...after pulling an all-nighter!

I don't mean to take away from Hawaii's strong performance. The Warriors really look to be a great team. But if the Nevada travel debacle is true, then that puts their poor performance in an entirely different light. At this level of competition, I doubt any team could play well after a sleep-deprived, jet-lagged travel disaster against a team as good as Hawaii.

Nevada has a bye week. They face Utah State next at home on October 30. They are a very frustrated team right now having lost their national ranking. The Wolf Pack may be very hungry after two weeks to reflect on what happened in Hawaii. Reports of their demise may be very premature.

"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.