What we learned:

Fresno State did not lose the game due to effort, far from it. Entering the game undermanned, especially along the offensive line, the ‘Dogs hung with one of the premier offenses in the country. With that being said, the Bulldogs left far too many opportunities on the field. If Kevin Goessling knocks through his 55-yard attempt in the first quarter, the ‘Dogs win. If Fresno State moves the chains just once after Nevada turned the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs win. But head coach Pat Hill will be the first to say that “ifs” don’t win games. On a positive note, Robbie Rouse looked sensational and it’s becoming obvious Fresno State has depth along the offensive line.

Offensive breakdown:

The Fresno State offense played its best game of the year, but fell short when it mattered most. With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, the ‘Dogs failed twice to convert two drives into scores. But despite its struggles in the last nine minutes of the game, the offense played relatively well for the first three quarters. Running back Robbie Rouse had his most productive game at Bulldog Stadium after slicing, dashing and sprinting for 217 yards and three total touchdowns. Despite Rouse’s heroics, the offense couldn’t capitalize on his performance. Quarterback Ryan Colburn was sharp through three quarters, but he didn’t show up in the clutch.

Defensive breakdown:

Although the outcome of the game was in Nevada’s favor, the defense actually played better than expected against the Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick and the pistol offense. Kaepernick was held in check for most of the night despite ripping off a few long runs, but it was his arm that beat the ‘Dogs. The secondary was torched late in the fourth quarter as Kaepernick completed five passes for 51 yards en route to scoring the game-sealing touchdown for Nevada. The defense couldn’t get off the field in the fourth quarter as Nevada kept the ball for 10:46 compared to Fresno State’s 4:14. Linebacker Kyle Knox’s big stop on fourth down and safety Lorne Bell’s interception in the end zone were game-changing plays, but the Fresno State offense failed to convert those two huge turnovers for scores. At the end of the day, the defense did just enough to keep the ‘Dogs in it, but the offense did not.

Saturday’s Standouts

Game-changing moment: Colburn fumble just before the end of the half
Clinging to just a three-point lead just before the half, head coach Pat Hill opted to try to move into scoring position despite being backed up on Fresno State’s own 29-yard line with only a minute left. On second down, quarterback Ryan Colburn lost control of the ball and Nevada pounced on the fumble. Two plays later the Wolf Pack were in the end zone and entered the locker rooms up 21-17 with all the momentum.

Unsung hero: Austin Wentworth, guard

Both Andrew Jackson and his backup Leslie Cooper were out with injuries, causing Pat Hill to call on the 6-foot-5, 305-pound freshman Wentworth to fill the void. Wentworth and right side of the offensive line opened some gaping holes for Robbie Rouse.

Nevada sealed the deal when…

…Fresno State quarterback Ryan Colburn’s pass fell incomplete on fourth-and-five with under two minutes left to play. The senior was flushed from the pocket after a heavy blitz from the Nevada linebackers. Colburn was hit as he threw, the pass hit the turf and the Wolf Pack escaped with a one-point win.
Interesting stat of the game: Out running the Wolf Pack
For the first time since Sept. 19, 2009 Nevada had few rush yards in a game than its opponent. Paced by Fresno State running back Robbie Rouse’s explosive performance (26 carries, 217 yards, two touchdowns) the ‘Dogs rushed for 250 yards to the Wolf Pack’s 245. Nevada came into the game averaging 317 yards per game on the ground.

Call of the game: Dial up the blitz

Nevada had a difficult time getting to Ryan Colburn for much of the night, but with the game on the line, the Wolf Pack defense delivered. On fourth-and-five and the game hanging in the balance, Nevada defensive coordinator Andy Buh loaded the box and immediately put pressure on Colburn, forcing the quarterback to his right before getting hit by Dontay Moch as the pass fell incomplete.

Dog bone giveaway: Bulldog offensive line

A giant question mark was placed on the offensive line in the week leading up to the game. Center Joe Bernardi was questionable, guard Andrew Jackson has missed the last eight weeks and even some backups were hobbled with injuries. The line, however, paved the way for Robbie Rouse’s 217 rushing yards and allowed just two sacks all night.