Who knew?
After a horrible, expectation deflating 1-3 start, we run the Mountain West table to finish 8-0 in conference. Never thought this would or could happen. Did not cross my mind (but not much does).
Nevada arrived ready to play even in light of the poorly managed announcement of their offensive coordinator accepting the Hawaii head coaching job. Best to keep such changes quiet until after the game is played. Maybe next time. The first half was tit for tat. The SDSU defensive backs, less Malik Smith (a stellar first half effort), gave up far too much yardage via Wolf Pack passing schemes that reminded me of Air Force’s sneak-behind-the-defensive-backs strategy. Regardless, Nevada scored 14 points.
Long before the second half arrives, along with improvement, so does my much called for replacement of Maxwell Smith. But not in the fashion delivered. Christian Chapman played well. 6/9 for 44 yards and handing the ball off with extreme abandon (kidding) while rushing for 29 yards himself gives pause for thought. Dual threat? We will know more after December 5th. However, on Mr. Chapman’s behalf, he played the entire game from the 7+ minute mark in the first quarter forward. Only 7 of the eventual 31 points were scored prior to his arrival. Donnel Pumphrey (23/157) was certainly irked by comments from a Nevada defensive back. I want to thank that young man for angering Donnel to another great game. Chase Price (19/118) ran like a player who knows the end is near.
The Aztec defense had 4 sacks and 2 picks. Just another day at the office. The notable Wolf Pack running duo of Don Jackson and James Butler were held to 3.1 and 2.5 yards per rush respectively. The Nevada offense gained a mere 10 first downs. Perhaps most telling was the 1 for 6 effort in third down conversions during the fourth quarter. A tip of the helmet to the Aztec defense for finding itself in the second half. Also, no second half points allowed. All this without the injured Christian Heyward.
We will host Air Force for the first Mountain West Conference championship game and rightfully so. Undefeated teams should host games, not teams with two conference defeats. I feel better. Air Force is always a concern given their offensive sets and general intense play. A tough bunch. For the moment we enjoy an overall record of 9-3 to accompany the 8-0 MWC record. First place in the West division. An eight game win streak. What shall December 5th bring?
tipmypitch 