1. Movin’ On Up
>> Situation: Nevada 0, Hawaii 0, 6:49 remaining, first quarter, Nevada ball, second and 12 at Nevada 45
>> The Play: RB Stefphon Jefferson catches a screen pass from QB Cody Fajardo and goes 55 yards for a Nevada touchdown.
>> Impact: It is the first score of the game and the first of seven TDs for Jefferson, tying and breaking numerous records. He finishes with 170 yards on 31 carries and catches three passes for 76 more.
>> Hawaii defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer: “We tried to keep the edge from him. A lot of his explosive plays were getting on the edge and outrunning people.”
2. Stopped Short
>> Situation: Nevada 7, Hawaii 0, 3:50 remaining, first quarter, Hawaii ball, third and goal at Nevada 4
>> The Play: Warriors QB Sean Schroeder throws for WR Miah Ostrowski in the end zone, but the pass is broken up by FS Ty Thompson.
>> Impact: Hawaii settles for a field goal. Ostrowski later catches a touchdown pass, but also dropped a pass in the end zone.
>> Ostrowski: “I’m kind of disappointed in myself and just have to make more plays when I can.”
3. Bubba-licious
>> Situation: Nevada 14, Hawaii 3, 15:00 remaining, second quarter, Hawaii ball, fourth and 2 at Hawaii 41
>> The Play: Hawaii is in punt formation, but the ball is snapped to up-back John Lister. Lister hands off to Bubba Poueu-Luna, who goes 36 yards up the right sideline for a first down at the Nevada 23.
>> Impact: Three plays later, Schroeder completes a 19-yard touchdown pass to TE Ryan Hall.
>> Hawaii special teams player John Hardy-Tuliau: “Perfect execution. Charles Clay made a great block to free up Bubba.”
4. More Weapons
>> Situation: Nevada 20, Hawaii 17, 7:15 remaining, second quarter, Nevada ball, first and 10 at Nevada 27
>> The Play: Fajardo passes to TE Kolby Arendse for 39 yards to the Hawaii 34.
>> Impact: Jefferson scores on a 1-yard run four plays later, capping a 90-yard drive. It is the first of six unanswered Nevada touchdowns.
>> Nevada offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich: “I wanted this to be about Nevada and changing this series around. Having a good celebration like this is pretty special for Nevada football.”
5. Pack Pick
>> Situation: Nevada 27, Hawaii 17, 4:42 remaining, second quarter, Hawaii ball, second and 7 at Hawaii 43
>> The Play: Schroeder’s pass is intercepted by leaping CB Charles Garrett. It is Nevada’s first interception of the season.
>> Impact: Nevada takes over at its own 42. Jefferson rushes for 47 yards on seven carries on the ensuing drive, including the final five. The Wolf Pack take a 34-17 lead into halftime.
>> Nevada coach Chris Ault: “I thought our defense after that first quarter played really well.”
