QB Colin Kaepernick threw for three touchdowns and ran for two more scores to lead Nevada to a 37-14 win over Louisiana Tech Friday night at Mackay Stadium in Reno.
Nevada piled-up 511 yards of total offense: 345 yards on the ground with Vai Taua's 107 yards, Kaepernick's 89 yards and Luke Lippincott's 57 yards; in the air Kaepernick also completed 15-of-21 passes for 166 yards and 3 TDs.
LA Tech managed 256 yards of total offense. In addition to Daniel Porter's effort of 11 carries for 99 yards and 2 TDs, Myke Compton rushed for 48 yards on 11 carries. Jenkins struggled, completing only 8-of-17 passes for 129 yards and one interception.
College: Nevada Conference: Western Athletic Columnist: Jay Horn
Luke Lippincott 7 6' 1.0" 215 4.55 HB 2010: Alternated with Taua who is back from elbow injury. 12 carries for 57 yards with a great downfield block for Kapernick TD on Deon Young. Hits the hole very quickly and blocks well. Caught nice screen for 14 yards and was patient in allowing blocks to develop. No doubt a hard worker but is there enough there for the next level?
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Colin Kaepernick 10 6' 5.0" 215 4.70 QB 2011: Has had a rough start, but was firing on all cylinders tonight - great decisions, runs well and can throw on the move - I was reminded of Randall Cunningham on the roll out - wiry, yet strong (could stand to add 10-15 pounds) and very mobile. Showed guts with big block on reverse against huge DE to spring Wellington for 47 yards. Seems to have strong leadership ability - willing to lead by example on the field. I wonder if he would be a 'fulltime' QB in the NFL - could use in slot/Wildcat (echoing comments from Missou/Nev game). Just a very tough football player.
GRADE: POSITIVE
Jonathon Amaya 49 6' 2.0" 190 4.50 CB 2010: Led Wolfpack defense with 8 tackles (4 solo) and almost all in run support corner - really plays like an extra LB. Good nose for the ball and showed good energy, and was in on several blitzes and had 1.5 TFLs. Was in coverage on Livas several times and was able to stay with him (but d-line pressure on Jenkins had more to do with limiting Livas than Amaya's coverage). Had a TD saving tackle on Compton.
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Kevin Basped 99 6' 6.0" 240 4.80 DE 2011: Like his height - he occupies alot of space! - would like a bit more mass as long as speed stays good. Fought through block to tackle Porter for no gain on key 4th and 3 early in the 2nd quarter. Great effort to the ball - 2.5 TFLs including 1.5 sacks. Would at least see him in role of 3rd down pass rusher because of speed and effort to the ball. He often drew double team or extra back because of his quickness. Liked his effort (second most tackles with 6 - 1 solo).
GRADE: POSITIVE
Vai Taua 34 5' 10.0" 225 4.60 HB 2011: Had sleeve to protect injured right elbow from Missou game - didn't affect him as he led team with 17 carries for 107 yards rushing. Compact and quick, keeps his center of gravity low with shoulders square and down; he is low so when tacklers engage him, he 'explodes' through often making tackler miss or slide off (easy to see how he led the WAC last year in rushing). In the pistol I like the way he accelerates into the hole. Great play fakes and pass blocking as well. Balance was very good as he took several hard shots but kept his feet driving.
GRADE: POSITIVE
College: Louisiana Tech Conference: Western Athletic Columnist: Jay Horn
Antonio Baker 34 5' 10.5" 200 0.00 S 2010: Plays hard, had 6 tackles (5 solo) and a pass break-up. Made some very athletic plays in coverage and in run support - a couple saving open field tackles to prevent greater yardage. Good reaction to ball when he reads run. Was a vocal and visible leader of the defense.
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
D'Anthony Smith 5 6' 1.0" 300 0.00 DT 2010: Good quickness for size - Nevada seemed to run away from his side. Only had 5 tackles (2 solo) but was able to 'plug-up' his side and force RBs to change direction. Occasionally was able to beat double-team, but seemed to tire as game went on (he was doubled ALOT). With all the talented DTs in '10, figure him to go late (but could be a real steal).
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Daniel Porter 20 5' 8.8" 190 4.52 HB 2010: Showed some strong running inside and speed on the outside (but left game with strained hammy after 64 yard TD run just 5 minutes into the 3rd). Caught a nice 8-yard swing pass. Maybe a tad short, but athletic and hits hole quick and is hard to bring down. On long TD showed great balance and broke several point-blank tackles to score. A late round selection.
GRADE: POSITIVE
Philip Livas 6 5' 8.0" 175 4.40 WR 2011: Showed his jets and elusive running ability taking the opening KO to the Nevada 15 (had 3 KO returns for 120 total and 1 punt return for 3). I was surprised how little he was used on offense (1 catch for -2 yards) - but the other opportunities he got, he missed (and almost lost a fair catch attempt). He works downfield to get blocks but is fairly small (not sure he weighs 175 even with his pads and shoes on). Speed seems to be his only asset tonight.
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Brian White 36 6' 1.0" 230 4.60 LB 2010: Had 5 tackles (2 solo) including a smart TFL on Taua as he 'sniffed out' a screen for a 4 yard loss. Showed some quickness coming off the edge on the blitz, but was often chasing Kaepernick around the corner. Did get 'sealed' a couple times allowing Taua and Lippincott too much running room up the middle - needs to shed that block and make the play to be considered for the next level.
GRADE: NEUTRAL
Deon Young 25 5' 11.0" 200 4.50 S 2010: Had some decent run support and coverage with 6 tackles (5 solo) and a TFL (that came late in the game against the 2nds) - currently leads WAC with 3 INTs, but other than that, not too noteworthy tonight. Got blocked by Lippincott as Kaepernick ran by on long TD - needs to make that play.
GRADE: NEUTRAL
Thomas Graham 52 5' 10.0" 235 4.90 C 2010: Deep snapper who appeared in his 42nd game. Consistent and accurate snapper - had a tackle of Thompson to limit him to 1 yard return. Perhaps a tad short, but effort and consistency are worth considering (I think the Bengals could use him right now!)
GRADE: POSITIVE
Ben Harris 62 6' 4.0" 295 5.00 OG 2010: Liked his effort - pulled decently and rarely beat in pass blocking situations. Will "lock down" opponent and drive off the ball - good strength - looked a little slow at times - but was steady throughout the evening.
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
GAME NOTES:
200th career win for Wolf Pack Hall of Fame coach Chris Ault ... LA Tech frosh punter Cade Glasgow averaged 45.4 yards per punt, including a career-long 67 yarder - the fifth longest punt in Bulldog history ... true froshman Chad Boyd and sophomore Adrien Cole led the Tech defense with 10 tackles each - Cole also recorded his first career sack ... Nevada junior MLB Mike Bethea tied Basped for second-leading tackler also with 6 tackles (1 solo).
LA Tech hosts New Mexico State at 3 p.m. for homecoming and Nevada travels to Utah State this Saturday at 12:00 noon.