Wolf Pack's 10-item checklist to beat Boise State
Posted by ChrisMurray at 11/26/2010 11:28 AM PST on rgj.com
The No. 19 Nevada football team is a fairly sizable underdog to No. 3 Boise State tonight at Mackay Stadium in one of Reno's most-hyped sporting events in history. Here's a 10-item checklist that the Wolf Pack needs to hit in order to beat Boise State tonight. Notching seven of these items would leave Nevada in good position to spring the upset.
Wolf Pack's checklist
1. Turnovers: Both teams have excelled in turnover margin, with Nevada at plus-seven and Boise State at plus-six. The Pack can't afford to fall behind in this category against a Boise State team that is favored to win by two touchdowns. Goal: A plus-1 turnover margin
2. Close early: Nevada's early-game struggles against Boise State the past few years is well-documented. The Pack has been out-scored 34-0 in the first quarter of the past two games. Nevada needs to stay close early, get the crowd involved and put some pressure on Boise State. Goal: Stay within seven points at halftime
3. Rushing attack: Boise State is first in the nation in rushing defense, allowing only 72 yards per game. While Nevada needs balance tonight, it also needs to run the ball well and control the clock. The Pack could turn to the pass game early to open gaps for the run game. Goal: Rush for 225-plus yards
4. Defense: During its current 10-game losing streak to Boise State, Nevada's defense has allowed an average of 50 points per game. The Broncos' lowest point total in that span is 38. Nevada needs to do better than that tonight. Goal: Hold Boise State to 35 points or under
5. Special teams: Boise State has always been strong in special teams and the Wolf Pack is improved in that phase of the game. Nevada needs some momentum in the special teams units from returners Mike Ball and Rishard Matthews. Goal: One 50-plus-yard return/No 50-plus returns allowed/No blocked kicks/No missed FGs
6. Get to the QB: Nevada needs to get pressure on Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, which is easier said than done. Moore isn't the most mobile of players, but has been sacked only five times this season. The Pack needs to make plays in the backfield. Goal: Three sacks/Five TFL
7. Pass defense: Speaking of Moore, he's had some up-and-down performances against Nevada. In 2008, he threw three picks. In 2009, he completed 51 percent of his passes. Both are career worsts. But he's still averaged 338 yards and four TDs per game against the Pack. Goal: Allow fewer than 250 passing yards
8. Explosive plays: Both Nevada and Boise State rank near the top nationally in 20-plus yard plays, the so-called "explosive plays." The Moore-to-Titus Young pass has created many big plays for the Broncos. Nevada averages 5.7 "explosive plays" per game. Goal: More "explosive plays" than Boise
9. Kaepernick scores: As Mel Kiper Jr. said on College GameDay this morning, Colin Kaepernick is the most important player in this game. His success against Boise State has shrunk each year, but Kaepernick is still one of the top players in the nation and a much-improved passer from '09. Goal: Kaepernick accounts for 4 TDs
10. Penalties: Nevada doesn't need to play a perfect game to beat Boise State, but needs to be fairly close. The Pack can't afford any silly, momentum-changing penalties. Goal: Five penalties or less; 50 penalty yards or less
