The KOH Sports Report 10-5-15
By Jake Hamar
Offense Cost the Wolf Pack the Fremont Cannon
Some people could say this 2015 Nevada Wolf Pack football season has been like a roller coaster ride. Some games, the Pack looks solid on both sides of the ball, and in others, they look totally lost.
On Saturday against UNLV, Nevada looked the latter.
Don Jackson and the Nevada Wolf Pack couldn’t stop UNLV’s stiff defense on Saturday. (Photo Courtesy of Jason Bean/RGJ)
They could get nothing going on offense, as Tyler Stewart passed for 20/44 with a touchdown and an INT as UNLV held off Nevada 23-17. Just as disappointing was the running game from the Wolf Pack, who had to depend on Stewart for 61 yards rushing. Their two premiere backs, James Butler and Don Jackson, ran for 44 and 36 yards, respectively.
The Wolf Pack rallied late to give the Rebels a run for their money, but it wasn’t enough. The lack of offensive production and costly penalties are what sealed Nevada’s fate. Tony Sanchez had UNLV ready to play, and it showed, even with a quarterback injury.
UNLV QB Blake Decker injured his shoulder, making way for Kurt Palendech to come in, and go 6 for 8 with 48 yards. The Rebels running game also wasn’t too shabby, as Keith Whitely ran for 76 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the loss, everything isn’t all bad for the Wolf Pack. Their defense is still very effective, and did their job on Sunday. It will be imperative for them to keep doing what they are doing if they are to defeat a tough New Mexico team Saturday at Mackay Stadium.
The Lobos are averaging 34 points a game, with a killer running game, led by Lamar Jordan, who is also the team’s quarterback. He had 404 rushing yards to excuse his so-so QB play. He is joined in the Lobos running attack by Jhurrell Presley, who has 347 yards with 3 TD’s, and Teriyon Gipson, who has 255 yards with 3 touchdowns as well this year. New Mexico averages 290 rushing yards a game, which is ranked 9th in the country right now.
If Nevada has a chance against the Lobos on Saturday, it will be to stop that unbelievable running game. Since New Mexico has no passing game to speak of, UNR has to focus solely on stopping Lamar Jordan. If they can do that, they’ve got a shot.
Oh yeah, and if Tyler Stewart, Don Jackson and James Butler show up.
