Oct. 9, 2009

Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery

RENO, Nevada - 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.

For the third time in their three losses this year, the Bulldogs (2-3, 1-1 WAC) scored a touchdown on their opening possession of the game as senior running back Daniel Porter scored on a 15-yard run with 14:16 to play in the first quarter.

Porter's touchdown was set up after Phillip Livas returned the opening kickoff 84 yards to the Nevada 15-yard line. The score was Porter's 22nd of his career and one of the few bright spots for the Bulldogs.

Following an empty offensive possession by each team, Nevada marched 76 yards in 14 plays and tied the game on a three-yard touchdown pass from Kaepernick to Talaiasi Puloka on a third down and goal play with 4:34 to play in the opening quarter.

After a second straight three-and-out by the Tech offense, Kaepernick struck again as he scampered around the left end for a five-yard touchdown run giving Nevada a 14-7 lead with 0:29 to play in the first quarter. The run capped a 6-play, 79-yard drive by the Wolf Pack that was highlighted by Chris Wellington's 47-yard run on a reverse, setting up the score.

Nevada upped the advantage to 17-7 on a 40-yard field goal by Ricky Drake at the 10:22 mark of the second stanza, the first of his career. The score came after an eight-play, 35-yard drive that was set up by a fourth down stop by the Nevada defense on its own 43-yard field goal.

The Wolf Pack opened the second half with a methodical drive capped by Kaepernick's 24-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Wimberly. The score came on a nine-play, 80-yard drive that chewed up 4:45 off the game clock and it gave Nevada a 23-7 advantage.

Porter struck again for the Bulldogs on the next possession as he took a handoff from Jenkins, broke two tackles and outraced a third Nevada defender 64 yards for his second rushing score of the game. The extra point by Matt Nelson made the score 23-14 Wolf Pack with 9:56 to play in the third quarter.

On the run, Porter moved into seventh place in the Tech record books in rushing yards, passing Garlon Powell. However, it would also prove to be the final carry of the night for Porter, who ended the game with 99 yards and two scores on 11 carries.

Trailing 23-14, Tech's defense had an opportunity to close the gap as sophomore cornerback Terry Carter stepped in front of a Kaepernick pass on Nevada's next possession. However, Carter couldn't hold onto the pass as it fell innocently to the turf.

The Bulldogs defense did hold as Nevada was forced to punt. However, Jenkins forced a throw downfield on the first play from scrimmage that was intercepted by the Wolf Pack.

After each team traded punts, Kaepernick scored his second rushing touchdown of the game, this time racing 67 yards down the left sideline with 1:57 to play in the third quarter, upping the Nevada advantage to 30-14.

After another three-and-out for the Bulldogs offense, the Wolf Pack special teams unit struck as Nevada blocked a Cade Glasgow punt, taking over possession on the Tech three-yard line. Kaepernick tossed his third touchdown of the game, this one covering three yards to tight end Virgil Green with 14:49 to play in the game as the Wolf Pack lead increased to 37-14.

The win marked the fifth straight victory by Nevada over Louisiana Tech as the Wolf Pack increased their series lead to 6-4. It was also the 200th career win for Wolf Pack Hall of Fame coach Chris Ault.

Nevada racked up 511 yards of offense, including 345 yards on the ground led by Vai Taua's 107 yards, Kaepernick's 89 yards and Luke Lippincott's 57 yards. Kaepernick also completed 15-of-21 passes for 166 yards and three scores.

LA Tech managed 256 yards of total offense. In addition to Porter's night, Myke Compton rushed for 48 yards on 11 carries. Jenkins struggled, completing only 8-of-17 passes for 129 yards and one interception.

Freshman punter Cade Glasgow averaged 45.4 yards per punt, including a career-long 67 yard punt late in the second quarter - the fifth longest punt in Bulldog history.

True freshman Chad Boyd and sophomore Adrien Cole led the Tech defense with 10 tackles each while Cole also recorded his first career sack.

The Bulldogs return to action Saturday when they host New Mexico State at 3 p.m. for homecoming.