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NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs. Colorado State First Half Thoughts
Thoughts and notes from the first half of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl between Nevada and Colorado State.
December 30, 2015
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– Nevada had its chances in the first half to make a big statement, but it settled for two Brent Zuzo field goals. 6-0 was nice, but 14-0 would’ve put the pressure on right away.
– It helped that the Rams got hosed on a fourth down call deep in Nevada territory.
– Colorado State QB Nick Stevens was under pressure, and struggled out of the gate. Rashard Higgins had just one catch for 13 yards in the first 20 minutes. That’s not okay.
– Ian Seau was the real deal. The Nevada pass rusher got off the ball in a hurry, caused the big fumble, and came out charged with the game-changer.
– And then Rashard Higgins made his play. He dropped a pass in the end zone early, and CSU figured it out getting it to him on the move for a big-time play to set up the first Ram touchdown. Nick Stevens in two plays turned everything around with a pass to Higgins and a one-yard scoring run.
– Nevada did exactly what it was supposed to do with an explosive play with The Union – the O line – doing a great job of giving James Butler a crease for a 77-yard score. Give the Wolf Pack a little room, and its running backs are gone.
– Slow and steady wasn’t winning the race for the Rams. The one big play from Higgins helped, but the Butler run, and the Elijah Mitchell kickoff return for a score gave Nevada the two big moments needed to take over the half.
– The Nevada front four was POPPING. Stevens was being hit no matter what. Obviously, the Wolf Pack coaches had the line coached up to hit and keep on hitting.
– It took Stevens about a quarter to get into a groove, but Nevada QB Tyler Stewart couldn’t get going. He only completed 2-of-6 passes for 15 yards and ran twice for 21 yards.
– It was a half of missed opportunities for CSU. Nevada should’ve been up bigger early, but Colorado State should’ve had three other touchdowns and came away with six points. The Rams came up with 302 yards, dominated the time of possession, and had chance after chance after chance, and they were still down 19-13.
– Here’s the thing if you’re Colorado State – keep doing what you’re doing. Keep on rolling with the balanced offense that’s reliant on the midrange passing game, and eventually things will break.
– Nevada came up with just 15 passing yards. Colorado State 185.
– Good first half. Entertaining, lots of offense, and more than enough big plays.
