Aztecs Cannot Take Nevada for Granted

Before the season, the Nevada Wolf Pack was picked to be right behind the Aztecs in the Conference West Division. But through nine games they have staggered, and now sit at only 3-6. Even with those losses, including to big-name teams, they’ve had some good games. But they have also had some bad ones, losing games they probably should have won.

Their wins are not impressive, beating Cal Poly, Buffalo and San Jose State. On the other side, two of their losses were to Notre Dame and Purdue. They lost to the Big-Ten Boilermakers only 24-14.

For a recent comparison that may be most meaningful, the Wolf Pack lost to Hawaii, 38-17, the team we beat 55-0 last Saturday. But we all have learned never to make assumptions! One of their impressive games was the 42-34 loss to much improved Wyoming, whose win over Boise State proves their talent.

The Wolf Pack has a balanced attack, with QB Tyler Stewart throwing for 1,161 yards, 9 TDs and only 3 INTs. Nine running backs have rolled up 1,466 yards, with James Butler at the top with 989 yards, a 5.3-yard average and 8 TDs.

If you didn’t see the Aztecs’ 55-0 win over Hawaii you’d think this was a big offensive win. And it was very good, but to me it was even more of a defensive win. Four INTs, including two returned for a touchdown, and other plays that gave our offense an advantage. Right down to the important sack by true Freshman Kyree Woods as Hawaii was near the goal line, locking up the shut-out, the second this season.

One bit of advance good news, after the last road trip: the weather forecast says ZERO chance of rain!

Pick Six! Ron Smith and Damontae Kazee both returned INTs for TDs vs. Hawaii (Smith photo: Ken Ables, Kazee photo: USA Today Sports)

GO AZTECS!