Nevada wins, sets up showdown with BSU

RENO, Nev. – Colin Kaepernick, Vai Taua and the rest of the 19th-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack are finally getting what they wanted: a chance to play No. 3 Boise State for a share of the Western Athletic Conference title.

Kaepernick threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns and Taua ran for 111 yards and scored three times Saturday to lead Nevada past New Mexico State 52-6 and set up Friday night’s game in Reno against the undefeated defending champions.

“It is going to be a great opportunity for us,” Nevada coach Chris Ault said. “And they are coming to Mackay. That’s pretty special.”

“Boise’s defense is as good as there is. And their offense is the best they’ve ever had. We have our work cut out for us,” he said.

Kaepernick and Taua hooked up on a 79-yard pass play for a 31-3 lead just before the half as the Wolf Pack claimed their 11th straight victory at home and ensured their first 10-win season since 1991.

Freshman Andrew Manley completed 19 of 39 passes for 220 yards for the Aggies. He threw two picks and was sacked six times.

The victory was the 500th in school history for the Wolf Pack.

Hawaii 41, San Jose State 7: Bryant Moniz completed 32 of 44 passes for 560 yards and three TDs to propel the Warriors to a victory over the hapless Spartans.

Moniz connected with Royce Pollard for a 39-yard score in the first quarter; hooked up with Greg Salas from 26 yards out in the third quarter; and found Kealoha Pilares on a 37-yarder, also in the third quarter, before taking the rest of the night off.