Game Week: Nevada - Thursday News

Jason Kaneshiro takes a look at Nevada's offense.

Nevada comes to town with one of the nation's highest-rated offenses. With sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Vai Taua operating behind a veteran offensive line, the Pack rank second in the country in rushing and sixth in total offense. They have scored a WAC-best 38.9 points per game.


"Everybody's been having trouble defending them because they're very talented and they have a good scheme," UH coach Greg McMackin said.

Kaneshiro writes about the players vying to replace the injured Victor Clore in the kickoff return wedge unit. Quote of the day:

Defensive linemen Tuika Tufaga, C.J. Allen-Jones and Tua Mahaley and linebacker Kaleo Wong were among those given a look at filling the middle of the unit yesterday.

"A no-nonsense guy who'll definitely crush your head," Malloe said of Wong, a junior who has yet to get into a game this season.

Darrell Moody of the Nevada Appeal takes a look at Nevada's defense.

In Hawaii, Nevada will face a team similar to Utah State in the sense that the Warriors boast a running quarterback in Inoke Funaki. A week ago, Nevada faced the shifty Diondre Borel.
“They are trying to run a little more,” Wilson said. “They are still doing the run and shoot. When he rolls out, you have to respect the run more than you did with Colt (Brennan). It adds another dimension.
“They lost their quarterback, all their receivers and three offensive linemen. It takes time to come together. They have been playing better offensively.”

Stephen Tsai writes about the wedge unit and profiles R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane.

"He did it the right way," head coach Greg McMackin said. "He's a program guy. He showed he can make plays on special teams. Then he got some looks on defense. Then he made plays there, and now he moves up. He's a great character guy."

McMackin praised Lee for helping Kiesel-Kauhane "work on his technique. He's turned into a really good linebacker. He's a hard-working tough kid. His lifting made him faster and stronger."

Kiesel-Kauhane said: "I paid my dues, I guess you could say. But I still have to get my confidence and playing ability up."