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ENLARGE
Nevada linebacker, and former Bear River star, Kevin Grimes, right, reaches to make a special teams tackle during Saturday's win over Hawaii.
The Nevada Wolf Pack football team notched its fifth straight victory Saturday with a 31-21 win over Hawaii at Mackay Stadium in Reno.
In a game expected to showcase the potent Nevada offense which came in leading the nation in rushing while amassing 205 points over the past four games, it was the defense that made the difference.
"I thought our defense stood up and did a nice job today. We made some improvements. We made some critical, consistent plays. We came up with some major turnovers. We were struggling all year but we overcame adversity today." Head coach Chris Ault said.
It didn't start that way however. Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz scorched the Nevada defense for an 18 yard touchdown pass to Kealoha Pilares and a 71 yard strike to Jovonte Taylor in the first 7 minutes of the game as the Warriors jumped out to a 14-0 lead. The Nevada defense then tightened up bending but not breaking as Hawaii was able to pile up 492 yards of total offense but did not score again until 6:18 remaining in the game.
Doyle Miller, making his first career start, made the biggest play on defense for the Pack intercepting a Moniz pass in the end zone as Hawaii was threatening down by only seven in the third quarter.Safety Mo Harvey also recorded his first pick of the season which led to a Nevada touchdown.
The Nevada offense wasn't as prolific as recent weeks but was effective when it had to be as they roared back from the early deficit scoring 21 straight points to lead 21-14 at the half. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick scored on runs of two and 38 yards and passed 30 yards to Vai Taua for another. Nevada also scored first in the second half on a 40 yard pass to Trey Session to take a two touchdown lead. Javonte Taylor caught his second touchdown of the day from Moniz with 6:18 remaining but a five minute Wolf Pack possession resulting in a 27 yard field goal by Ricky Drake sealed the win.
Vai Taua led Nevada's rushing attack gaining 127 yards on 19 carries. Kaepernick rushed for 114 more on 13 carries and two touchdowns. Kaepernick also threw for 184 yards and two more touchdowns.
Nevada's defense has been very effective against the run and that continued Saturday only allowing 126 yards on the ground. Bryant Moniz turned to the air though hitting on 29 of 49 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns but it was his two interceptions, only the third and fourth for the Wolf Pack on the season that helped Nevada overcome Moniz' effort. Jovonte Taylor caught both touchdowns and finished with 109 receiving yards.
Bear River graduate Kevin Grimes played on special teams and linebacker for Nevada and finished with one tackle.
The win moves Nevada to 5-3 overall and 4-0 in the Western Athletic Conference. Nevada now travels to fellow WAC opponent San Jose State where, with a win, can become bowl eligible.
In a game expected to showcase the potent Nevada offense which came in leading the nation in rushing while amassing 205 points over the past four games, it was the defense that made the difference.
"I thought our defense stood up and did a nice job today. We made some improvements. We made some critical, consistent plays. We came up with some major turnovers. We were struggling all year but we overcame adversity today." Head coach Chris Ault said.
It didn't start that way however. Hawaii quarterback Bryant Moniz scorched the Nevada defense for an 18 yard touchdown pass to Kealoha Pilares and a 71 yard strike to Jovonte Taylor in the first 7 minutes of the game as the Warriors jumped out to a 14-0 lead. The Nevada defense then tightened up bending but not breaking as Hawaii was able to pile up 492 yards of total offense but did not score again until 6:18 remaining in the game.
Doyle Miller, making his first career start, made the biggest play on defense for the Pack intercepting a Moniz pass in the end zone as Hawaii was threatening down by only seven in the third quarter.Safety Mo Harvey also recorded his first pick of the season which led to a Nevada touchdown.
The Nevada offense wasn't as prolific as recent weeks but was effective when it had to be as they roared back from the early deficit scoring 21 straight points to lead 21-14 at the half. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick scored on runs of two and 38 yards and passed 30 yards to Vai Taua for another. Nevada also scored first in the second half on a 40 yard pass to Trey Session to take a two touchdown lead. Javonte Taylor caught his second touchdown of the day from Moniz with 6:18 remaining but a five minute Wolf Pack possession resulting in a 27 yard field goal by Ricky Drake sealed the win.
Vai Taua led Nevada's rushing attack gaining 127 yards on 19 carries. Kaepernick rushed for 114 more on 13 carries and two touchdowns. Kaepernick also threw for 184 yards and two more touchdowns.
Nevada's defense has been very effective against the run and that continued Saturday only allowing 126 yards on the ground. Bryant Moniz turned to the air though hitting on 29 of 49 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns but it was his two interceptions, only the third and fourth for the Wolf Pack on the season that helped Nevada overcome Moniz' effort. Jovonte Taylor caught both touchdowns and finished with 109 receiving yards.
Bear River graduate Kevin Grimes played on special teams and linebacker for Nevada and finished with one tackle.
The win moves Nevada to 5-3 overall and 4-0 in the Western Athletic Conference. Nevada now travels to fellow WAC opponent San Jose State where, with a win, can become bowl eligible.
