Aztecs Face Pivotal Game in Reno Cold

It’s often hyperbole to pronounce an upcoming game as a “must win” or similar build-up. But there is no question, tonight’s game with Nevada is pivotal. If we win, we sit in a solid leadership role in the West Division of the MW Conference. If we lose, we are not out of it, but we’d find ourselves facing a tougher battle.

The Wolfpack is a 3-point favorite in today's betting line. They are at home, with a QB who runs as well as he passes. And the weather forecast calls for 44 degrees at kickoff, 39 at the end. But remember, the Aztecs have a great record in bad weather on the road. Remember, too, our OT win at Reno in 2012, where Adam Dingwell, taking over for an injured Ryan Katz, hit Adam Roberts for the 2-point conversion to give the Aztecs a 39-38 win!

There is no long history to this series. The first game was played in 1945, the year before I started my series of Aztec games. There have been only five games since, and the Aztecs lead the series 4 games to 2.

Cold weather is Aztec weather. Who could ever forget the last-second win in a blizzard at Wyoming in 1982? Or, more recently, the decisive 49-24 win over Buffalo - featuring two players now starting in the NFL as rookies - in last year's Famous Idaho Potato Bowl? I don't think I was ever sweating at those games, but I sure was NOT cold!

QB Adam Dingwell connected with TE Adam Roberts for the decisive 2-point conversion in the Aztecs’ 39-38 OT victory at Nevada in 2012 (Dingwell photo by Ernie Anderson)

GO AZTECS!