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NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs. Colorado State Second Half Thoughts
Thoughts and notes from the second half of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl between Nevada and Colorado State.
December 30, 2015
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl Second Half Thoughts
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– Nevada head coach Brian Polian: “I’m surprised (Colorado State) decided to throw so much.”
– But the drive that took over five minutes ended with a field goal. A 22-13 lead was nice, but like the early first half, Nevada missed out on some key chances to get up and take control.
– And then Colorado State did exactly what it needed to do. With the defense struggling coming out of the locker room, the offense went on a long, tough drive finishing off with the Jasen Oden touchdown run. But the Rams were still down 22-20.
– But the defense settled down. All it takes is one big third down stop to change things up, and the Rams got it to finally start to turn things their way.
– The Colorado State fourth quarter offense. Run, run, throw to Rashard Higgins.
– Nevada’s defense had different ideas. Ian Seau was a difference-maker. Get pressure on Nick Stevens, and the play stops.
– Colorado State kept throwing the rushing options at the Nevada D. How do you get past the Wolf Pack pass rush? Pound away. Dalyn Dawkins is banged up? Pound away with Jasen Oden. Need a late key rushing yard? Izzy Matthews got the job done – to a point.
– The Rams had the change to take control for good, but Stevens couldn’t hook up with an open Higgins for a touchdown. Instead, they had to settle for a Wyatt Bryan field goal and a one point lead.
– Down 23-22, Nevada is now paying for not closing out earlier drives with touchdowns.
– Don Jackson didn’t start for Nevada after being suspended for a quarter, but James Butler has been the better back.
– Brett Zuzo hit all three of his previous field goals on the night for the Wolf Pack. Will he get a chance to win the game? Nevada driving with two minutes to play …
– But Butler might take care of business all by himself. 1:45 to play, up one, Nevada on the CSU 7. Do you let Nevada score if you’re the Rams to get the ball back?
– Butler down to the four with one minute to play. CSU cashed its timeouts. Now it’s relying on its D to come up with a miracle.
– Butler powering in for the touchdown and the apparent game-winner. Colorado State hosed – it has no time left now and no timeouts down 28-23 with just over a minute to play.
– It’s Rashard Higgins time.
– Now the Nevada pass rush that’s been a factor all night has to take over.
– CSU QB Nick Stevens, even at this point in the year, is still too inconsistent. Needs better touch.
– But he’s marching the Rams down the field with a shot at the win with 15 seconds to play.
– HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE mistake. Colorado State receiver Jordon Vaden goes for first down, misses, no time outs left, can’t clock the ball. Game over.
– A lot for future NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowls to live up to. This was one of the more entertaining bowls of the season so far.
