San Jose State @ Nevada preview
MacKay Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 8, 2009 ) Nevada 62, San Jose State 7
San Jose State knows what it’s like to be overmatched against a ranked opponent on the road. Nevada is trying to get used to the distinction of being recognized among the top the teams in the country.
The rebuilding Spartans (1-4) will be in a familiar position Saturday when they visit the No. 23 Wolf Pack (5-0) in a Western Athletic Conference football game in Reno.
Nevada remained undefeated by posting a 44-26 win last Saturday over rival UNLV in Las Vegas. The Wolf Pack’s auspicious start also includes a road win over BYU and a nationally televised home win over California.
San Jose State started its season by filling the role of scrimmage partner for top-ranked Alabama, Wisconsin and Utah, but the experience hardly elevated its play against lesser competition. The Spartans squeaked out a 16-11 win over Southern Utah and before losing 14-13 at home to UC Davis last week. The last two opponents compete in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Upon a short jaunt east, the Spartans will find a Nevada club that is starting to peak under the direction of coach Chris Ault and the play of dual-threat senior quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The Wolf Pack is ranked in the top five nationally of most major offensive categories, scoring 44.6 points per game (fourth) while ranking fifth in total yards at 526.4 per contest.
Nevada’s less-heralded defense also has done a respectable job, holding opponents to 20 points per game.
Last week, the Wolf Pack let an inspired Rebels team hang around for a half before pulling away in the fourth quarter. Kaepernick passed for 124 yards and a touchdown, and added 97 rushing yards and another score. Running back Vai Taua had 188 yards and three touchdowns.
Ault said he was pleased with the win but cited a few missed tackles among areas for improvement.
“I tell everyone, we’re not a great team, we’re a good team,” he said. “We’ve got to get better. We’re not where we need to be to compete at a championship level.”
Nevada will be looking to sharpen up its weaknesses against a San Jose State team that is last in the country in scoring at 9.6 points per game. A five-touchdown favorite, Nevada can’t afford any lapses before an Oct. 16 visit to Hawaii, an opponent that historically is tough on its home turf.
As if first-year San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre didn’t have enough to worry about, he might be without his starting quarterback. Jordan La Secla was injured against UC Davis and is doubtful for Saturday’s game.
Junior college transfer Matt Faulkner will start if La Secla can’t play.