[jwplayer uAXGkPyW-sNi3MVSU]
Keys to a Nevada Victory vs. Boise State
Here is how the Wolf Pack can upset Boise State
Contact/Follow Garrett @garredom & @MWCwire
Nevada Wolf Pack hopeful for a Ty Gangi return.
The Nevada Wolf Pack’s defense continues to improve as we approach the mid-point of the season.
I have criticized this defense all season long, and after week six, it looks like they’re finally firing on all cylinders. Last week, they were able to hold a dangerous Fresno State offense to a season-low of 271 total yards while almost completely shutting down the Bulldog’s running game, only allowing 30 yards on 24 carries. If not for a 69-yard pass from Marcus McMaryion to Jared Rice, they may have barely broke 200 yards. Well done, defense, I’m giving you the week off.
Last week in my Nevada vs. Fresno State preview I mentioned that Toa Taua and Kelton Moore were averaging 18 attempts per game and that would need to double against the Bulldogs. They got two less than their season average. What does that result in? First-time starter Cristian Solano posting a 32.7 QBR rating, running for his life, and throwing three interceptions on 43 attempts. Nevada’s offense did look good at times but was only able to manage one field goal in a 21-3 loss at home.
Ty Gangi has been out with a leg injury (thigh contusion) he received late against Air Force in week five and returned to practice this Tuesday. There has been no confirmation on who will start at QB vs. Boise State, though it looks promising he will return.
Boise State banged heads with San Diego Sate last Saturday and took a tough 19-13 home loss on the blue turf as a two touchdown favorite. They travel to Mackey Stadium this weekend to face the Wolf Pack, once again, as a big favorite that opened at 17 points. Boise State vs. Nevada has become a huge rivalry and is always “must see tv,” in both football and basketball. To say the least, they do not like each other.
San Diego State’s defense did a great job disrupting Boise State’s offense. Boise State’s Senior quarterback, Brett Rypien, completed 21-of-41 passes for 170 yards and finished with two interceptions and zero touchdowns. The Broncos averaged 1.4 yards on the ground only finishing with 51 yards on 36 carries.
Both teams come into the contest at 1-1 in Mountain West play. If Nevada’s defense continues to perform well and Ty Gangi returns, the Pack have a chance of pulling off a big upset at home in front of what should be the biggest crowd at Mackey Stadium this season.